Linden day care facilities now registered and licenced- a first for the Mining Town

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Ministry of Social Protection, Childcare Protection Agency (CCPA) has registered and licensed thirteen (13) childcare facilities  in the Mining Town of Linden, Region Ten, as part of its Early Childhood Development Programme.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, who  presented the licences to the caregivers during a simple handing over ceremony on July 10, said that the intention is to ensure that children are enrolled in developmental-friendly Day Care Services, that adhere to regulated minimum standards.

“When parents make a decision to place their child/children in day care facilities, they have one common concern and that is the safety and well being of their children, therefore, persons entrusted with the care of these children, must give the best alternative  care possible and  you must ensure that high standards are maintained,” Minister Ally told the caregivers.

In just one month, the Child Care and Protection Agency, was able to license 26 child care facilities across the country as part of its Early Childhood Development Programme, Minister Ally said.

The Minister noted that the move represents another step taken  by the government to ensure children are nurtured in a safe environment. She emphasised that, “We are all obligated to uphold the constitution that stated that the primary interest of the child shall be the primary consideration of the state and I can assure that this government will do its part in implementing policies in keeping with the international convention on the rights of the child.”

While there are 30 childcare facilities in Region 10, only 13 were registered. Minister Ally said that the ministry’s

intention is to ensure that all of the facilities, and not only those in Linden, are licensed. She added that, “Parents should feel assured that their children are well looked after by qualified persons in suitable premises and appropriate facilities.”

Meanwhile,  Region 10 (Upper Demerar-Berbice)’s Registration and License Officer, Daunne McFarlane, explained that out of the 30 childcare facilities in the district, 20 are fully registered. And of that number, 13 will now be licensed.

McFarlane said that the registration department will continue on its mission of ensuring that the facilities are in compliance with the minimal standards, creating an environment that is safe and nurturing to the children’s development.

There are currently over 280 day care facilities across Guyana. The ministry has established monitoring and evaluating mechanisms, and the staff will conduct continuous monitoring exercises so as to ensure that the minimum standards are being followed.

The standards cater for the development of healthy well-adjusted children; ensuring children have the ability to communicate effectively and guarantee that the children’s culture is  respected; ensuring that the foundation is laid for children to develop into critical-thinking adults and that there are ‘positive discipline practices’ for children with behavioral challenges.

 

By: Synieka Thorne