KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid, says that a further allocation of $50 million in the 2017/18 budget, has been made available to create more infant departments in primary schools.

Senator Reid, who was giving an update to the Senate on developments and programmes in the early childhood sector, said that last year’s $50 million was for renovation or modifications in the primary schools infrastructure to facilitate infant departments in 30 schools.

He said that contracts were awarded for the 30 schools, at a cost of $49 million. While 28 of the projects were completed, work is still in progress on the other two.

He stated that the other $50 million is programmed in this year’s budget for continuation of the process of creating more infant departments.

“We also believe that a review of existing legislation for young children, including the Early Childhood Commission Act (2003) and the Early Childhood Act and Regulations (2005) and other relevant legislation, is necessary, at this time, to ensure a comprehensive legislative framework is provided to meet the needs of young children,” he told the Senate.

He added that, against the background of gaps identified in the existing framework, a review of the implementation of commitments to international conventions for young children, with emphasis on those relating to child protection, support, health and development was also needed.

“I would like to use this opportunity to urge all Jamaicans to work with us in helping to raise the standards of the early childhood sector,” Reid said.

He said that currently some 2,700 early childhood institutions need certification, but many lack the resources to attain an acceptable level of operation.

He commended representatives of corporate Jamaica who have committed to, and are helping to improve the physical standards of the institutions.

Balford Henry