EXCERPTS
Recently appointed State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Alando Terrelonge, following a tour of the Early Childhood Commission’s (ECC) Head Office in Kingston has given his commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for Jamaica’s children.
Terrelonge met with members of the ECC team on Wednesday where he was presented with an update on the Early Childhood Sector. He reiterated that education is the key to improving lives and that learning begins at the early childhood level.
“The Government of Jamaica is committed to transforming early childhood education in Jamaica. We believe that education is the best gift we can give to our children. When we educate our children we empower them with knowledge and a strong sense of self and self-worth. Imagine the possibilities if we invested more funds in early childhood education? Into building more infant schools and brain builders centres? That is my commitment and of the Ministry of Education.”
To date, 2,477 early childhood institutions have applied for registration with the ECC, 2,060 have received a Permit to Operate and 150 have received a Certificate of Registration.
Additionally, 35 Memorandums of Understanding have been signed for Brain Builders Centres and of that amount, 23 are operating. The Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation which is an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports has applied for seven of their day-cares to become Brain Builder Centres.