Samms-Vaughan: The plan to move children into primary schools is in keeping with similar trends which exist across the world. - CONTRIBUTED
ALL FIVE-YEAR-OLDS may soon be admitted to primary schools if the Government acts on a recom-mendation made by the task force report on education.
According to the report, Government should assume full responsibility for five-year-olds, with a 'K to six' primary system.
Dr. Maureen Samms-Vaughan, chair of the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), says the plan to move children into primary schools is in keeping with similar trends which exist across the world.
Dr. Samms-Vaughan said that while the recommendation was a good one, it will take time for that system to take effect.
She was addressing journalists last week at a meeting to discuss developments in the early childhood sector.
NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMME
The EEC chair explained that while a space audit has been conducted in schools, another evaluation would have to be done to determine where the children live and to which schools they should be sent.
Meanwhile, Dr. Samms-Vaughan reported that a nutritional support pilot programme, which is costing the Government $30 million, is currently under way in early childhood institutions in St. Mary. She said there has never been a fully functional nutritional programme in early childhood institutions.
She noted that the pilot programme includes the development of menus to ensure that food that children enjoy is well prepared. The pilot, which is to be completed by the end of this academic year, is expected to be implemented in all early childhood institutions by next January.
Dr. Samms-Vaughan explained that the programme was costing $30 million because institutions had to be provided with stoves and refrigerators, among other things.
MORE TRAINED TEACHERS
Adelle Brown, chief education officer in the Ministry of Education and Youth, said her Ministry will be placing more trained teachers in early childhood institutions. Mrs. Brown explained that, because of budgetary constraints last year, the Education Ministry was unable to place enough trained teachers in those institutions.
Currently, there are about 300 trained teachers in early childhood institutions across the island. Mrs. Brown told The Gleaner that 200 more will be in place by the next academic year.
Dr. Samms-Vaughan said registration of early childhood institutions will begin as soon as a public education campaign is completed. She noted that registration is expected to begin by the next academic year.
