Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer
SAMMS-VAUGHAN
OCHO RIOS, St.Ann:
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN of the Early Childhood Commission, Dr. Maureen Samms-Vaughan, is assuring operators of early childhood institutions that the commission is not planning any widespread closure of those institutions.
She said while there will be strict monitoring of all institutions during the process of licensing, only those that pose a danger to children run the risk of being ordered closed.
Dr. Samms-Vaughan explained that when the Early Childhood Act is passed into law soon, the commission will have the legislative responsibility to monitor institutions to ensure they meet the required standards.
She said closure will definitely be an option, but added: "Our plan is not to shut down institutions, it is to assist institutions to bring themselves up to the highest possible standards so that our children can have the best possible start in life."
Dr. Samms-Vaughan was speaking in an interview with The Gleaner. She pointed out that each institution will have to apply for registration three months after the early childhood legislation is enacted, and the applicant will be given a date for inspection.
"The premises will be inspected and also the teaching staff and all the requirements will be checked by the commission," she further explained.
