First Early Childcare Expo hosted in Reg. 3

― aims at showcasing daily work of daycare centres

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, November 24, 2019

Parents and guardians across Essequibo Islands-West Demerara were reminded of the importance of investing in the early childhood of their children, to maximise their future well-being.

On Sunday, close to 1,500 residents including children, flocked the West Demerara Secondary School compound, to participate in the first-ever Expo and Culture event, hosted by the Region 3’s Early Childhood Development Association in collaboration with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA).

Addressing the large crowd at the opening ceremony, the region’s License Officer of Early Childcare Centres, Zalika Williams, said most persons believe that daycare centres are about childminding; “But Guyana has moved past that,” she stated. According to Williams, the initiative was organised to showcase the daily work being done by caregivers and how it seeks to stimulate a child’s cognitive and physical development from the earliest stage of his/her life.

“They say unity is strength, so the agency saw it fit to bring the organisations together and this can work as an inspiration for parents to enrol their children in an early childhood centre or pre-school and by the time they are ready for their nursery education, they are well socialised and well-learnt,” Williams added.

Executive Officer of the Early Childhood Development Unit of the CPA, Lavern Throne noted that the importance of early development for children cannot be overstated; and investing in “our children at this crucial period of their lives, is the greatest and most valuable investment that can be made as a nation.”

According to Thorne, their exposure to new experiences and social interactions will impact children’s ability to adapt to change in their environments as well as their capacity to resilience against adverse circumstances.

She highlighted that the demand for care outside the home has increased over the years, because of the large number of mothers joining the workforce. “Practitioners at these facilities are tasked with ensuring the needs of all children are met. The care and education they receive at this period of their lives will contribute to their overall development and will lay the foundation for long-term physical and mental health and set the stage for lifelong learning,” the Executive Officer disclosed.

Meanwhile, the event saw close to 50 centres exhibiting different aspects of early development, through the demonstration of Art, Craft and storytelling booths, while other booths, showcased healthy eating, among other aspects.

Also present at the outreach was Regional Education Officer, Annesta Douglas.