Early Childhood Centres introduced

Continuing the Government’s thrust into the area of Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Centres will be implemented in several primary schools, with effect from September 1, 2009.{{more}}

In a news release, the schools were identified as Owia Government, Langley Park Government, Argyle Primary, Fairhall Government, Cane End Government, Marriaqua Government, Bequia Anglican Primary and Troumaca Government. Additionally, a centre will be set up in Edinboro.

Parents and guardians who wish to enter their children into this programme are required to register at the aforementioned schools during the period June 15 – 19, 2009. Those wishing to register at the Edinboro centre can register at the Curriculum Unit, currently located upstairs the Golden Apple restaurant on Back Street. Deputy Chief Education Officer Luis de Shong explained that those who miss these dates would be given a window of opportunity to register their children afterwards.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT, Cecile Harry, Officer in the Early Childhood Education Unit within the Ministry of Education, encouraged parents to register their children for the programme because it provides stimuli for children before they enter primary school – giving them a “head start” in life.

Although an exact curriculum for the programme is yet to be decided, Harry assured that it would be complete in time for its launch in September. “We’re looking at existing curricula at the moment…” She also revealed that eventually the programme would be expanded to several other primary schools.

The Ministry of Education is encouraging the public to enroll their children into this programme “in order to facilitate their academic growth and development.”(JSV)