THE EDITOR, Sir:
'EARLY CHILDHOOD education/institutions' have recently become buzz words in Jamaica, particularly in the education arena.
Unfortunately, it took 40 years of Independence, several prime ministers and ministers of education to realise that emphasis should be paramount at this level, in order to reap great benefits at the higher levels (individually and nationally).
Thank God for the dismal NAP, CXCs and A'Level results which we have been experiencing for sometime now. They were/are a blessing in disguise, as they sparked many debates in all sectors of the society and shook the Government into reality.
They have now formed committees/task forces and have implemented new policies to try and combat the problems.
However, there are some private institutions that employ persons who are barely literate and numerate, and have little or no training. They are paid the minimum wage and work under very stressful and exploitive conditions, especially those that operate nurseries and pre-schools.
More often than not, they (care-givers/teachers) are not respected by their employer and the parents; there is no lunch area or sick bay; the institutions collect late charges but this is not extended to the persons who stay over.
Some employers deduct NIS, Housing Trust and Education Tax but do not file any returns, others don't make any deduction, hence there are no benefits for the workers.
It is time for these operators (labour law breachers and exploiters) to shape up or ship out.
I am, etc.,
QUEEN TYE
109-111 Hope Road
Kingston
