CPA developing Early Childhood curriculum policy
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgslBeBXUOA” width=”100%” height=”315″]
─ engaging key stakeholders
─ first draft expected by September 2019
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, January 17, 2019
The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) is in the process of developing an early childhood curriculum policy.
During a consultation on Early Childhood Care and Education, Thursday last at CPA’s office, representatives from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, University of Guyana and UNICEF were engaged in discussion on the development of a childhood curriculum policy.
In an invited comment, Executive Officer of Early Childhood Development, Lavern Thorne explained: “Being responsible for the 0-3 age group, which are the daycares and playgroups, we want to see how we can have a curriculum guide or curriculum goals set for this particular age group.”
She added, “we want to have standardized systems whereby children are not being left alone or caregivers are not just doing childminding, but they are actually focusing on the total development of the child.”
The Executive Officer noted that the implementation of an early childhood policy is not a new concept, noting that such a policy has been implemented in Jamaica and other countries around the world.
“Our children are no different from the world so, we have to ensure our children are given the best possible start in life, to ensure that they can meet their full potential,” Thorne explained.
She expressed optimism that the consultation will result in better collaboration among the agencies.
She also noted that a first draft of the document is expected to be completed by September 2019.
Anara Khan.
Images: Jules Gibson.