The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence is in the process of reviewing positions within the education system.
Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and national Excellence Honourable Octavia Alfred stated that the revision is being conducted to create permanent positions for early childhood educators.
“Early childhood teachers specialize in the learning of development, social and physical needs of young children. The teaching dynamics are different demanding more individual attention. These educators provide a safe and comfortable environment which young students can learn, not just early academics but social, motor and adaptive skills,” Hon. Alfred explained.
The Education Minister added that eight new early childhood facilities have been opened as the result of the rehabilitation of the primary school under which they fall.
Three early childhood educators have been assigned to selected learning facilities.
“From November 2020 to January 2021 the Cabinet has approved 2-year contracts for 14 early childhood educators. At the last meeting of Cabinet two early childhood educators were approved for the new early childhood centre at the Salisbury Primary School, and one early childhood educator with emphasis on special education was approved for Roseau Primary. ” Hon Alfred noted.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund is assisting the Ministry in developing a comprehensive policy in early childhood education which will guide the operation of this sector.