The Editor, Sir:

I write in response to the 'Letter of the Day' published in The Gleaner of Thursday, May 1, in which several questions were raised about the regulations governing day-care facilities.

The Early Childhood Commission is the agency of government with responsibility for governing the early childhood sector. A major part of its mandate is ensuring that all early childhood institutions (ECIs), including day-care facilities, are meeting the requirements of the Early Childhood Act and Regulations which came into effect on November 30, 2007.

Requirements

The Act and Regulations define the requirements that all ECIs are expected to meet in order to be registered as legally operating entities in Jamaica. The legislation covers the 12 main areas that affect the quality of programmes and services offered by ECIs, including those raised by the writer.

The enactment of the legislation means that the commission now has the legal authority to carry out inspections of ECIs to ensure that the required standards are being maintained. The process of inspection of ECIs which has just commenced will support the development of a database which will provide information on the status and quality of service.

Encouraging vigilance

In the meantime, we encourage the public to become familiar with the requirements of the act and regulations and be very vigilant and discerning in selecting an appropriate ECI.

A user-friendly guide to the requirements of the Early Childhood Act and Regulations is available on the commission's website or can be had from our offices at shops 45-49 Kingston Mall.

I am, etc.,

SUE-ANNE WALLACE

Public Education Coordinator