Petrina Francis, Education ReporterMERRIS MURRAY, executive director of the Early Childhood Commission said yesterday that the effects of poverty in the early childhood period may be far more damaging than any other period in a child's life.
Ms. Murray noted that a quality early childhood programme can address inequalities in
society and give children who are less fortunate a fair start in life.
She was speaking at the Rotary Club of Kingston's weekly luncheon which was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.
The educator told Rotarians that a number of initiatives are being undertaken to improve the quality of the early childhood programmes and services.
The Early Childhood Act was recently passed in both houses of parliament and Ms. Murray pointed out that early childhood institutions will be required to apply for registration within three months after the act comes into effect. Breaches of this act, she said would result in a penalty.
The Act also prohibits corporal punishment in early childhood institutions and empowers the minister to close institutions where the welfare of a child is likely to be endangered. Failure to comply with this order will attract a maximum fine of $250,000.
Ms. Murray noted that research has shown that the early years are an important period in the life of an individual.
The interventions that take place at this stage will determine if the child gets off to a good start.
She said that the society must invest in a high quality early childhood programme because "it can lead to far-reaching social and economic benefits".
She added that a high quality early childhood programme can have positive social and economic benefits which includes increased income, reduced fertility rates and a reduction in crime and
violence.
"Let us work together, let us invest in early childhood programmes so that we can improve the quality of life of our children," she charged the Rotarians.
