EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION GRENADA EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Birth to 8 years Government established programmes for each of the three phases in early childhood: Birth–3 in day care centres 3-5 in pre-schools 5-7 in primary schools Programmes are monitored & supported by the Day Care Coordinator & Early Childhood Officers

AVAILABILITY OF ECE ECE provided by government & private sector 74 public pre-schools Approx. 25 private preschools There are pre-school departments housed in some of the primary schools

DAY CARE The Ministry of Social Development is responsible for the Day Care (0-3) Public Day Care Services introduced in 1958 Presently more than 15 centres are operating Training is provided by the government for the caregivers Roving Caregivers Programme: the caregivers work with the children & their parents/guardians in their homes

PRE-SCHOOL The Ministry of Education responsible for the Pre-School (3-5) 1962 introduced as a private venture, assisted by government 1980s government included pre school education in the national primary education system Mission: to provide pre-school education for 3-5 year olds that will promote all-round development Curriculum: developed byEarly Childhood Unit of the M of E – thematic approach

TEACHERS 146 teachers – all female Formal training at the Community College Specialised training in Trinidad Receive on the spot training by ECE Supervisors Teacher exchange visits to look at best practices in ECE Meetings – pre-school & Kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers to discuss transition

POLICY STANDARDS FOR ECE Policy endorsed by government in 2002 & will govern the early childhood services, both public & private the goals are to: empower & encourage collaboration among stakeholders to ensure quality service is provided Strengthen services & interventions to ensure positive outcomes Use cost effective strategies Empower parents & caregivers Provide training

Thank You Ivy Harris – Early Childhood Supervision