OPERATORS OF day care facilities will now be required to register their institutions as a suitable environment for students' learning and development under the Early Childhood Act.
This becomes necessary, as day care will now fall under the legal and regulatory framework section of the Early Childhood Commission.
Reporting on the commission's behalf at the updating session on Education Reform held at Northern Caribbean University recently, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Commission Dr. Maureen Samms-Vaughn, said: "Previously, there was not a defined curriculum but as we begin to understand the importance of brain development, we recognise the importance of developing a curriculum for children even at this early stage."
The Early Childhood Act is one that provides for the regulations and management of early childhood institutions.
"The act has already been passed by the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament and will soon be signed into law", said Dr. Samms-Vaughn. "The act is accompanied by regulations which are legally binding and standards which are motivatory documents".
Within three months of the passing of the act, all early childhood institutions will be required to apply for registration. Once this is done an inspection of the premises will take place.
Premises will be given full registration if it meets the following requirements: it must have been approved by the local planning authority, have adequate flooring, roofing, ventilation and fencing, there should be adequate first aid and firefighting equipment.
The premises should have specific areas for the institution of children administration, napping, play (both indoor and outdoor), a sick bay, food preparation and service, dining and separate bathroom facilities for staff and children.
In addition, the institution must have proper lighting, electrical supplies, safe drinking water, garbage and sewage disposal and adequate sleeping devices and toilet facilities as well as adequate space for children.
Dr. Samms-Vaughn said, "Many of our schools are overcrowded and children are crowded into places that impacts negatively on their ability to learn and develop. We are recommending that there is access for all disabled children for all new facilities because for far too long they have not been able to access services adequately."
"We want to ensure that the persons looking after our children are the right persons who should be doing this important job" said Dr. Samms-Vaughn "as a result, the institution's employees must meet the Commission's qualification requirements as to the training of children with regards to child development abuse, first aid and training in the Child Care and Protection Act.
Employees must not have been convicted under dangerous drug, offense against the person or childcare and protection act, nor have been convicted of offences involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude."
