Last Updated on September 26, 2020, 6:04 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Kimona Browne, the Director of the Early Childhood Development Unit, is urging unregistered persons, who provide early childhood services to register to ensure compliance with the child safety standards.
Speaking at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) Press Ms Browne said that presently, it has been observing a few unregistered persons offering and advertising early childhood services to the public.
She added that the Early Childhood Development Unit welcomes additional spaces for meeting the high demand for accommodating young children in the sector. However, standards could be broken down, and that may threaten the safety and well-being of the children when the standards and guidelines of service are not met with.
She said that all unregistered persons could visit the Early Childhood Development Unit to start the process of registration and approval.
The Director said that the Early Childhood Development Unit and the Ministry of Education welcome you, and ask you to come speedily to us. You can contact the ECDU at telephone number 466-2810 or 465-2369.
Ms Browne said that all persons who are desirous of operating an early childhood facility must apply to the Early Childhood Development Unit. All applicants would be interviewed for ascertaining the suitability of the applicant for operating an Early Childhood Development Centre.
She added that an appointment could be made to have the proposed site inspected, at which time, the early childhood officers would advise on the suitability of the premises for an early childhood service and its operating capacity if deemed suitable. If a new building would be constructed, advice would also be given on this.
The Director noted that if a proposed centre is to be located in the applicant’s home, checks would be made on each person of that household, and also the regular visitors to the home. Findings would determine the ability to operate.
For persons who wish to obtain more information, may inquire at the Early Childhood Development Unit for an appointed interview.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
