Montserrat ECD Policy - Government of Montserrat

NATIONAL POLICYFRAMEWORKONEARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

to the content, relevance and appropriateness as well as to the methodology. It is alsoimportant that support material be made available to stimulate and expedite the learning/teaching process. Education For All Global Monitoring Report 2007 identified the quality ofinteraction between teacher or caregiver and child as the single most important determinantof programme success in early childhood.Montserrat recognizes that ECD programmes prepare young children for primary school, butalso contributes to the government national vision, consequently, an Early Childhood Policyis an essential national strategy in creating the much needed synergy in its educationdevelopment plans.2. Situational Analysis2.1 How Can Early Childhood Development Be DefinedEarly Childhood Development (ECD) in the Montserratian context refers to care, educationand development programmes and strategies geared toward children from birth to the ageof eight. Early Childhood programmes integrate the cognitive, emotional, social, physical,spiritual, cultural, economic and creative environments and experiences of the child in a safeand caring environment thereby resulting in an individual who is well rounded, confidentproductive and able to make a meaningful contribution to the society in their adult years.2.2 History of ECD Programming in MontserratIn the early 1970s a group of concerned citizens saw the need for an organized approach tochildcare and formed the Montserrat Nursery School Association. They solicited fundingfrom Government, various donor agencies and the community for financing the school andtraining staff. By 1976 the association had established nine Nursery Schools in differentvillages throughout the island.In 1976 the Government appointed an Early Childhood Coordinator to direct and supervisethe services for children between ages three years and five years in the nine nurseryschools. After that the Montserrat Nursery School Association gradually phased out.During that same year (1976) the British Save the Children Fund with the permission of theGovernment of Montserrat established two Day Care Centres on the island which theyoperated until 1980. In 1980 the Government assumed full responsibilities for these centresand extended the responsibilities of the Coordinator Early Childhood Education to includesupervision of the Day Care Centres. The Roman Catholic Church also played its part duringthe period 1970-1977 when it operated a Nursery Centre for children 2-5years. In the 1980sthree private nurseries were organized by community individuals to cater for childrenbetween 2-5 years of age. Two of these centres continued to operate until the mid 1990swhen volcanic activity forced many persons to re-locate overseas and reduced the numberof buildings available.The volcanic crisis caused a disruption in the provision of Early Childhood Educationbetween 1996-97. However, by 1998 two government operated nursery centres and a daycare centre re-opened.Presently this sector comprises the day cares catering for children under two years, nurseryor preschool setting for children five years and younger and early primary grades whichaccommodates children between five and eight years old in the Primary Schools. Thisdelineation fits in with the universally accepted definition of ECD 0-8 years and provides for a5

smooth transition and monitoring of the curriculum offered at kindergarten to Grade 2.Further, the Five Year Education Plan 2002-2007 cited the provision of rich and stimulatingexperiences in well organized learning environment for children less than six years as one ofits goals for this sector. In order to achieve this goal, government has since built one newcentre at Salem and expanded Lookout to cater for approximately 70 additional children.Funding to assist with this development came from the Caribbean Development Bank (CBD)and the Basic Needs Trust Funds (BNTF). Additionally, as early as 2006 the Governmentsaw the need for the re-appointment an Education Officer with responsibility for ECD. Todate, 88% of Early Childhood Development Centres are Government owned. Attendance isnon-compulsory.Early Childhood Training in Montserrat has been ongoing over the years. 100% ofpractitioners have been exposed to training or are currently in training to the certificate levelfrom regional institutions. One practitioner who serves as Head of Centre has been trainedto a degree level in the field. Currently twenty (20) individuals including Government andprivately employed practitioners are pursuing a Certificate Course in Early Childhood Careand Development through the Open Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI)2.3 Priorities Arising from Consultation on the development of the PolicyThe Early Childhood Policy was developed through a consultative approach in 2009-2010,the details of which are set out in Annex 1. During the consultation process there was astrong call for the policy to focus on:‣ The areas of training, certification and qualification of early childhoodpractitioners‣ The indicators of the type of person who should be allowed to work in thissector‣ Safe and healthy stimulating environments for children‣ Development of the child through the establishment of safe play areas inschools and communities‣ Provision for children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities.‣ Support for vulnerable children as well as children who at risk through poverty,and being affected by HIV/AIDS.‣ Support and Training for parents in the areas of child development.3 Profile of the Sector6

The survey report emphasized that to address the interaction issues effectively (supervision,discipline and interactions between staff and children, children and children) it is necessaryto address programme structure and pedagogy, that is, how children learn and how staffsupport children’s learning. If these areas are not addressed over the medium to long term,the problems associated with inadequate interaction will persist and the opportunity forchildren to learn and develop to their potential in their early childhood centres will be lost.Areas requiring priority attention in the Government Centres were cited as space andfurnishing, personal care routines, language- reasoning/listening and talk, which points to theneed for curriculum,/programme structure, teacher training, parental understanding of thedevelopment stages of the child. There is also the need to improve working conditions ofstaff, as well as staff having sufficient time to engage parents and provide them withinformation. Generally, there is the need to strengthen the learning environment for thechild.The report further recommended that Montserrat establish access for teachers andcaregivers to qualification training. Programmes are in development in neighbouring OECScountries. CARICOM has a qualifications framework which includes early childhoodqualifications at Levels I, II and III and teacher qualifications at Associate and Bachelordegree levels. Therefore Montserrat has access to regional experience, materials andpedagogical approaches together with a qualifications framework on which to draw toestablish national systems for training and qualification.4 Policy Statement4.1 The Vision StatementThe vision for Montserrat has been proposed as:“The provision of high quality preschool education for all children living in Montserrat bypractitioners who are trained and qualified and understand the needs of all children with noexception, in a safe and caring environment.”4.2 Goals and ObjectivesThe strategic objectives of the Policy are to ensure that all children in Montserrat have theopportunity to access quality age-appropriate and developmentally sound early care,education and development.The specific goals that would be pursued to enable this are:1. To provide opportunities for all children between the ages of zero to eight years ofage in Montserrat to participate in high quality early childhood programming;2. To provide and support training and ongoing professional development for allpractitioners, and establish the level of certification needed for entry into this sector;3. To encourage and espouse partnership through effective parental and communityinvolvement in the development of their children;8

4. To promote and support the establishment of appropriate safe and healthyenvironments which meet the developmental needs of all children.4.3 Key StrategiesThe above goals and objectives will be achieved through the following strategies:1 Ensuring that all children living in Montserrat from birth to eight years have accessto quality early childhood education, care and development.2. Developing and introducing statutory regulations and guidelines, based on minimumstandards to support the effective delivery of the service.3 Providing training and certification at various levels at recognized institutions forall providers of early childhood services.4 Developing a common age-appropriate curriculum which supports the holisticdevelopment of the child, with a strong emphasis on methodologies which fosteran integrated, interactive and explorative learning process.5 Providing opportunities for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) andDisabilities as well as all children who are generally seen as living in at risk situationssuch as poverty, abuse and HIV/AIDS.6 Strengthening and creating healthy, safe and secure learning environments for allchildren.7 Fostering sustainable linkages between the ministries and organizations in themanagement of this sector.8 Preparing key policy documents to provide guidance in areas such as nutrition,confidentiality and privacy, discipline and non-discrimination with the aim ofstrengthening the delivery of this sector.9. Providing support and educational opportunities for parents in an effort to assist themto understand and value the tremendous benefits associated with early childhooddevelopment.5.0. SPECIFIC ACTIONS AND TARGETS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE POLICYFRAMEWORKThis section sets out the specific actions to implement the identified strategies5.1.Ensuring that all children living in Montserrat from birth to eight years haveaccess to quality early childhood education, care and development.Specific actions to be undertaken are:‣ Amendment to the Education Act # 1 of 2004 Chapter 1V Part 2 section 73 (1) page62 to include children of ages 0-8 instead of one year of age or older but under sixyears of age.‣ Establishment of a Register of all children born and residing on the island as well asbirths to Montserratian citizens recorded overseas to be maintained by the9

Government for use by the Ministry of Education. This will assist to provide data forprojecting requirements for the future establishment of early childhood services‣ Promotion of inter-ministerial and agency collaboration to provide services forchildren in the early years - health, education, family services, social transformation,community services, and private sector.‣ Identification of the incidence of home based ‘child minding’ services and theestablishment of registration and support mechanisms for child minders in order toensure safe, quality services5.2. Developing and introducing statutory regulations and guidelines, basedon minimum standards to support the effective delivery of the serviceSpecific actions to be undertaken are‣ Adoption of Regulations and Standard for early childhood services together withestablishment of mandatory registration and licensing of all service providers usingthe CARICOM Regional Guidelines.‣ Establishment of in-service and qualification training standards for of all providers ofearly childhood services to meet the requirements of the Regulation and Standards inthe delivery of the service.‣ Establishment of a register of child minders providing early childhood care anddevelopment in their homes. This will assist the Government to provide thenecessary support and training in order to assist them to meet minimum standards inthe delivery of quality services.‣ Review of the job descriptions of all Heads and other persons employed byGovernment in the delivery of Early Childhood Services to ensure compliance andharmonization with the standards.5.3. Providing training and certification at various levels at recognized institutions forall providers of early childhood services.Specific actions to encourage the professional development of practitioners will establishclear guidelines and requirements for entry of persons into this sector. It will also stipulatethe requirement for leadership level at management level of early childhood developmentcentres, as well as provide guidance as to the profile of suitable persons working withchildren in accordance with CARICOM and assess the demand and human resourcesrequired to meet the demands of training for practitioners.Specific actions to achieve this include:‣ Drafting of a minimum entry level document for persons wishing to enter the earlychildhood sector.‣ Drafting of document on criteria and qualification level for managers/ leaders ofcentres.‣ Creating links with regional training programmes in early childhood programmes -such as the Antigua and Barbuda State College – to create access for10

Montserratians e.g. through accessing Montserratian students to the AntiguaBarbuda State College or through summer courses held in Montserrat supported bytutors from Antigua Barbuda State College‣ Assessment of the human resources on island available to conduct training ofpractitioners along with the cost implications of training.‣ Creation of a register of institutions in the region offering programmes of study inEarly Childhood Care and Development which meet the specific needs in Montserrat.‣ Development of a “ career path” to link practitioners in this sector to teacher training‣ Setting of a time frame for all early childhood practitioners to receive training and toobtain a minimum qualification‣ Establishment of mandatory training for all practitioners and managers of centres inunderstanding Special Educational Needs, First Aid and Cardio PulmonaryResuscitation (CPR) Management and Leadership training among others‣ Reorientation and retraining of practitioners to work with children at differentdevelopmental levels in order to equip practitioners with the skills to promote andengage children in self directed learning activities.‣ Exposing practitioners to short regional or international workshops as wellprogramme of long term on-site training which will expose them to modern andeffective curriculum practices as well as motivate them to carry out research on thecurriculum and to work towards solutions which would further enhance this sector.5.4 Developing a common age-appropriate curriculum which supports the holisticdevelopment of the child, with a strong emphasis on methodologies which foster anintegrated, interactive and explorative learning processThere will be specific consultation and discussion on the development of a harmonizedinteractive curriculum for all early childhood providers. Training manuals and audiovisualresources will be created to guide practitioners. Supporting parents will be a strongcomponent, and parents will be offered orientation in the curriculum in order to encouragestrong school-parent collaborationSpecific actions will include:‣ Regional and international curricula to be selected for review in the context of the policyand vision for early childhood adopted in Montserrat.‣ Curriculum to be developed, drawing on international/regional examples if applicable, inconsultation with practitioners and in accordance with the Caribbean Learning Goals andOutcomes‣ Curriculum developed to include attention to transition from home to early childhoodsetting and from early childhood setting into the kindergarten setting.‣ Implementation of the recommendations of the survey of the Quality of LearningEnvironments 2009 with particular respect to the provision of learning activities, supportfor language and reasoning, and programme structure amongst others.11

‣ Operators to receive continuous training in the area of inclusive service provision,which would help improve the service which they deliver in this area.‣ A mapping exercise to be conducted to collect data on the number of children inMontserrat who are not accessing early childhood services5.6 Strengthening and creating healthy, safe and secure learning environments forall childrenHealthy, safe and secure learning environments will be guided by the standard adopted forthe early childhood sector and Government policy on the creation of mini-parks incommunities and preschool.Specific actions include:‣ Implementation of the recommendations of the survey on Quality of LearningEnvironments 2009 with respect to the health, safety and security requirements inearly childhood settings.‣ Establishment of well furbished age appropriate mini-play parks in communities tomeet the needs all children.‣ Education of parents and community, as to the benefits of these play areas asimportant to the development of the child.‣ Education of the public as it relates to their civic duty in the preservation of these playareas.‣ Education of the children in the safe usage of the equipment which will be placedwithin the centres and the community mini-parks.5.7 Fostering sustainable linkages between the ministries and organizations in themanagement of this sectorIt has been established that to meet the need of the child in a holistic manner closecollaboration among all ministers, agencies and NGOs is needed. The Government willpromote inter-sectoral collaboration and management where appropriate.Specific actions include:‣ Establishment of the National Council of Early Childhood Development (NCECD)provided for in Part 1V Division 1 Section 108 (1) and (2). This Council will berepresented by all sectors working on matters relevant to children and will serve asthe Advisory body to the Minister of Education.‣ A collaborative approach within the Ministry of Education to plan and implement theselected curriculum in early childhood centres and in the first three years of primaryschool.‣ A follow up sensitization process which will educate the public on the Government’sapproved early childhood policy.‣ Collaboration through MOU among ministries and other agencies, such as theprivate sector to be the advocates for issues as they relate to children.13

Kilarc Powerhouse and SwitchyardProposal for Disposition• Work includes removal of turbines and generators and all associated electrical and mechanicalequipment associated with the powerhouse and abandoning the structure in place.• Turbine pits will be filled with mass concrete or other suitable fill material and capped withconcrete.• All openings will be sealed and the tailrace backfilled to the confluence using local earth materials.• The building will remain in place; the long-term disposition of the structure needs to bedetermined.• The switchyard will be left in place as it is an integral part of the PG&E inter-connectedtransmission system.Cow Creek Development Decommissioning ProposalThe South Cow Creek watershed encompasses approximately 78 square miles (mi 2 ), including 53 mi 2 locatedupstream from the South Cow Creek Diversion Dam. The average annual runoff at the dam is 79,500 ac ft;on average, approximately 37 percent of the annual runoff is diverted to Cow Creek Powerhouse. Theestimated dependable generating capacity of the Cow Creek development is approximately 400 kW, and theestimated average annual energy generated is 12 million kWh.The Cow Creek Development features include:• Mill Creek Diversion Dam;• Mill Creek-South Cow Creek Canal;• South Cow Creek Diversion Dam and Main Canal;• Cow Creek Forebay Dam; and• Cow Creek Forebay, Penstock, and Powerhouse.The Mill Creek–South Cow Creek Canal diverts water from Mill Creek to South Cow Creek. From SouthCow Creek, the water is diverted to the South Cow Creek Main Canal and into Cow Creek Forebay. FromCow Creek Forebay, the water flows through a penstock to Cow Creek Powerhouse. The water is thendischarged from the powerhouse to Hooten Gulch where it flows to South Cow Creek.Mill Creek Diversion – Dam and Canal IntakeProposal for Disposition• Work includes the demolition and removal of materials from the site.• Demolition may require construction of a temporary channel diversion.Cultural Resources Inventory and EvaluationGarcia and Associates (GANDA)Kilarc-Cow Creek Hydroelectric Decommissioning Project 6 March 12, 2009

7. Management, Monitoring and Evaluation MechanismsThe Ministry of Education through the Education Officer with responsibility for EarlyChildhood Development will manage the day to day activities of the sector. There will beclose networking with the Curriculum Officer as well as the Education Officer of Primaryschools. The EO ECD will report to the Director of Education (DOE)Upon establishment of the National Council of Early Childhood Development (NCECD), it willwork in close collaboration with the Montserrat Early Childhood Association (MECA) and theEO ECD. The Council will act as the main advisory body to the Minister who in his capacitycan delegate specific tasks to them as it relates to the sectorThe Education Officer, will have the responsibility for the development of the monitoring andinspection process working in conjunction with the NCECD, and MECA. The Officer will alsoconduct inspection for awarding licenses to the centres, assess the progress of the childrenwithin the centres at least twice a year and produce an annual report to the Minister and theNCECD on the state of the sector.The EO ECD will have the responsibility of advising the Minister of Education on the need forreviews and amendments to the sector whenever the landscape of ECD in Montserrat sorequires.The sector will continue to operate under the various sections of the Act and any otherprotocols of the Government of Montserrat which so refer to the sector.8. Implementation PlanAnnex II contains an indicative schedule for implementing the Policy. The schedule indicatesthat work on all of the proposed strategies could be initiated within a three year period.There is also referencing that collaboration will be needed between various GovernmentDepartment for example the Attorney General’s Office.Successful implementation will also require technical and financial assistance. The Policywill be implemented through the development of Annual Action Plans which will identify theactivities of priorities to be undertaken during the applicable financial year, or as funding issourced. The priority Action Plan for the first year of implementation is detailed in Annex III.It focuses on the necessary legislative changes which would be required to enable acohesive and functional early childhood service as well as the collection of data on allexisting providers along with the education of the general public.9. Year One Priority Action Plan.The priority actions to be implemented during the first year are:1. Amendment to the Education Act2. Approval and dissemination of Policy3. Establishment of a Register of all children born and residing on the island as well asbirths to Montserratian citizens residing overseas4. Orientation of practitioners to Policy implementation and development of theMinimum Standards5. Assessing the number of home based early childhood services and the need forregistration and training15

6. Registration System established and schedule drawn up for registration of all serviceproviders, including home based providers7. Education Awareness for all stakeholders8. Providing CPR and First Aid Training for all practitioners and other relevant personswho work at the Centres e.g. cook bus drivers etc.9. Appointment of persons to sit on the Council of Early Childhood Education ( CECE)as provided under the Act10. Centres moves towards meeting Standards11. Involvement of Partners12. Volunteerism- Support for Early Childhood Development..16

REFERENCES AND SOURCESBurns, Sheron, Early Childhood Education Customer Survey, 2007Education Act, No. 1 of 2004, MontserratGittens Kemberly, Children and AIDS: A Stocktaking Report on Montserrat 2007Health Systems and Services Profile of Montserrat 1 st Ed. July 20, 2001Hansen K. and Hawkes D., Early Childcare and Child Development,Journal of Social Policy,Vol. 38 April 2009.Ministry of Finance Economics development and Trade, Statistic department, Montserrat ,2008.National Child Protection Action Plan of the Government of Montserrat, March 12 th 2007Regional Guideline for Developing Policy, Regulation and Standards in Early ChildhoodDevelopment Services, CARICOM 2008Report of a Survey on the Quality of Learning Environments in Early Childhood Centres,Government of Montserrat, 2009Schweinhart Lawrence J, PhD, Benefits, costs, and Explanation of High scope PerryPreschool Program, A paper presented at the meeting of the Society for Research in ChildDevelopment, Tampa Florida, and April 26 th , 2003United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) Office of the High Commissionfor Human rights, November 1989, Effective September 1990.White Linda A, Early Childhood Care and Development Policy , Volume 34, 2004World Bank Report, Early Childhood Education and Development in Indonesia- AnInvestment for a Better Life, 200217

ANNEX IPolicy ProcessMontserrat is in the stage of re-development following the eruption of Soufriere Hills volcanowhich began in 1995, and has left the country in a constant state of alert. The capitalPlymouth has been abandoned and Brades, a rural village on the northern coast of theisland is being developed as the new capital. The daily challenges of ash have nothampered the motivation and the zeal of the people who continue to live on the island. Thereis a renewed thrust towards strengthening and improving the quality and standards ofeducation for all the people.Presently, there is a focus on Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and in 2008the present Education Officer responsible for ECD submitted a proposal to UNICEF forassistance to develop Policy, Regulation and Standards and an Implementation Plan for theEarly Childhood sector. This proposal was accepted and in late 2009 the process began.The development of the Policy Framework has followed the recommended phases as set outin the CARICOM Regional Guidelines for Developing Policy, Regulation and Standards inEarly Childhood Development Services 2008: The Preparation steps were carried outfollowed by the ECD Situation Analysis conducted by UNICEF in June 2009.The consultative process included:Meetings with the Management Team of the MOE.Several consultation meetings with other governmental agencies, the private sector,NGOs and the general public. Annex 1Media coverage to provide a high level of sensitization to the Diaspora of MontserratReferencing the guidelines set out by CARICOM “Guidelines for Developing Policy,Regulation and Standards in Early Childhood Development Services, 2008 “ at allconsultations in order to educate the public on this documentMeetings with various personnel in Ministries e.g. Education, Health, EconomicDevelopment and Trade and Legal Department.Meeting with civil society and persons from various professional bodies18

Referencing research on regional and international work as they pertain to EarlyChildhood Care and Development.The aims of such wide spread consultations were to:1. Garner the thoughts of the MOE as to its vision and goals for the development of theECD sector2. Arrive at a common consensus as to terminology which would be used in thedocument.3. Sensitize the general public to the importance and relevance of ECD as well as togive individuals and groups a voice in the development of such a critical document4. Illicit the opinion of these stakeholders and to hear how they see themselves in thedevelopment of Early Childhood and Development (ECD) in Montserrat and how theycould work along with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to create and support thissub-sector5. Commence the process of ownership of the final document.It can be reported that the process was a participatory and collaborative one, which broughttogether as far as possible the major stakeholders of this sector; and provided an opportunityfor persons to voice their concerns or make recommendations for the sector.19

ANNEX 11Implementation PlanCreation of an Implementation Plan is a critical component to the National Policy on EarlyChildhood Development ( ECD) and should be a collaborative effort between the consultantand the relevant Ministry of the recipient Government through its various experts.This draft Implementation Plan will serve as a guide, as to the areas which have beenidentified as priorities if the Policy is to be functional.The areas identified were recurring themes of discussion during the consultations. Theactivities have been identified and placed under various headings such as1. The legislative changes needed to amend the Education Act2. Initiating the Institutional Framework through strengthening support for EarlyChildhood Services ( ECS)3. Improving the Quality of Service Providers4. Training of Practitioners5. Stimulating, safe and healthy environments6. Creation of safe Play areas at the centers and communities.The areas of the One Year Implementation Plan has been outline on pages 12-13, thisillustrates the areas for immediate action. This is followed by the three year plan.The Three Year Implementation Plan has been further subdivided to illustrate the timeframe in months and colour coded. Orange represent the long term activities / areas whichwill require further technical and financial assistance from funding agencies such asUNICEF, green those that can be achieved in the medium term with further available andallocated government budget and blue activities that can be achieved with ECD allocatedbudget and expertise.Areas of the Implementation Plan which can be commenced immediately , since theyrequire very little funding has been extracted and further developed as the year one workplan.Colour Codes Requires technical and financial support Requires government allocated input and budgeting Requires use of ECE budget and expertise20

ACTIONSYEAR 1 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN - MONTSERRAT2010 2011JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN3. Creation of a Register of All children born and residing on the island as well as births to Montserratian citizens residing overseas.Collation of information on island from relevant ministries with regard to birthsCollection of information on arrivals of citizens returning from overseas with youngchildrenCollection of information on prenatal attendance, birth , immunization of children fromall Health CentresCollection of information on registration of children at day care and PreschoolCreation of data base at the relevant Ministry to cross check information.4. Orientation of PractitionersCopies of document sent to all centres and made available to registered operators.Group sessions with practitioners5. Assessment of the number of “home-based” early childhood service providersDesign Survey Tool for recording information on each “ child-minder”Make contact with persons to inform them on the intention of the registration/surveyCarry out surveyData entered into the MOE ECD information systemAnalyze information garnered and plan type of assistance which will be provided22

ACTIONSYEAR 1 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN - MONTSERRAT2010 2011JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN8. CPR and First Aid Training for all practitioners.Sourcing of organization e.g. Red Cross to fashion curriculum specific to the ECE age groupfor First Aid and CPR training.Agreement on cost implication.EO ECE refers cost to P.S. MOE.Agreement as to how cost is to be met agreed on .Funding Proposal for training written and set to UNICEF / other fundersSet date for commencement of training agreed on.Selection of practitioners for first phase training agreed on.24

ACTIONSYEAR 1 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN - MONTSERRAT2010 2011JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN9. Support for Early Childhood PolicyAgreement on the composition of members for the Council on Early Childhood Education( CECE)Preparation of profile of individuals for submission to Cabinet..Adoption of submission by Cabinet .Cabinet conclusion issued.Names of members of CECE gazetted.Governor-in-Council appointedConvening initial meeting of CECE10. Centres move towards meeting StandardsCabinet approval of Standards.EO ECE working along with Lead Practitioners and Representative of CECE and MECA todevelop monitoring proceduresProcedures shared and discussed with all practitionersRevision and feedback taken into accountPublication of procedures Manual, dissemination to all stakeholdersACTIONSYEAR 1 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN - MONTSERRAT25

2010 201111. Involvement of PartnersJUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNEO ECE to prepare position Paper on a case for offering an elective at the MontserratCommunity College .EO ECE to have initial meeting with Minister of Education and other members of theAdministrative Team position paper to be sharedMeeting with Principal of MCC set up , invited to this meeting to share and brainstormPosition paper would be DOE, Director Open Campus, Rep CECE, and any other delegatedindividualCommittee set up to carry feasibility study /surveyFindings presentedCommittee to commence looking at models/curriculum/human resources available /needed for such a programmeDraft documents prepared in terms of what is available/ costing / interest.Findings presented to Minister of EducationMinister appraise CabinetCabinet approval and time frame set for pilot programme26

ACTIONS12. Volunteerism - Support for ECEYEAR 1 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN - MONTSERRAT2010 2011JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNEO ECE prepares concept paper and meets with Lead PractitionersLead Practitioners and EO ECE develop Expectations for Student Volunteers ( ESV)EO ECE meets with MOE Admin Team and shares concept paper and ESVEO ECE meets with Principal of MCCEO ECE invited to address MCC students on the subject of voluntarism in ECEStudents who have an interest will sign up with MCC on the assigned FormParental Consent Forms are sent outOrientation follows after Parental consent forms have been returnedSchedule of placement/time and supervisor is preparedCommencement of Pilot on Volunteerism at ECE Centres.NB: Arrows indicate activity falling into subsequent period.27

MONTSERRAT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – 3 YEAR PLANYEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3ACTIONS2010 2011 2012 2013JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN1. Amendment to Education Act to include 0-8 year oldsMinister to prepare paper on the sections ofthe Act to be amendedMinister to prepare paper on the sections ofthe Act to be amendedAttorney General's Office draft amendmentsAmendment sent to CabinetCabinet sanctions amendments forlegislatureCabinet may wish for amendments to the Actto be gazetted2. Policy, Regulations and StandardsSubmission of draft Regulations and Policyfor Cabinet approvalLegal review of draft policy and Standards byDraft Legal Counsel in the AG 's OfficeGazetting of early Childhood Policy andStandards.3. Registration of All service providers of early ChildhoodEO ECE to design a form to capture allrelevant information needed.Form piloted using at least the oneregistered private operator and at least fiveGovernment centresRelevant changes made to formUse of Government PR as well as radiostations to announce intention and reasonsfor the exerciseVenue time and collection of Forms, timeframe for returning forms established anddisseminated .4. Orientation of PractitionersCopies of document sent to all centres andmade available to registered operators.Group sessions with practitioners5.Providing support and educational opportunities for parents in an effort to assist them in understanding and valuing the tremendous benefits associated with early childhood.Workshops on the development stages ofchildren held for parentsSelection of representative parents andpractitioners to meet and prepare Booklet .28

ACTIONSOne day workshop held on the writing ofbookletBooklet completed and disseminated to allcentres for discussion/ feedback .Booklets edited and ready for printing .Books PrintedBooklet distributed to all ECE Centres.Family Activities heldRegular parent teacher Conferences held6. Education Awareness of All stakeholdersTown Hall meetingUse of media house to promote awareness.Print media used fortnightly to promoteawareness of Policy and Standards.Publication of document on Governmentwebsite.7. CPR training for all practitioners.Sourcing of organization e.g. Red Cross tofashion curriculum specific to the ECE agegroup for First Aid and CPR training.Agreement on cost implication.EO ECE refers cost to P.S. MOE.Agreement as to how cost is to be metagreed on .Funding Proposal for training written and setto UNICEF / other fundersSet date for commencement of trainingagreed on.Selection of practitioners for first phasetraining agreed on.8 .Support for Early Childhood PolicyAgreement on the composition of membersfor the Council on Early ChildhoodEducation ( CECE)Preparation of profile of individuals forsubmission to Cabinet.Adoption of submission by cabinet .Cabinet conclusion issued.MONTSERRAT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – 3 YEAR WORK PLANYEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 32010 2011 2012 2013JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN29

MONTSERRAT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – 3 YEAR WORK PLANYEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3ACTIONS2010 2011 2012 2013JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNNames of members of CECE gazetted.Governor-in-Council appointedConvening initial meeting of CECEAppointment of one additionalEducation OfficerCurriculum supportNational Curriculum for ECCD sourcedWorkshops for retraining ofpractitioners and parentsSupport for children with SEN anddisabilitiesStudy on the types and location ofchildrenForms and types of AssessmentReferral System developedTraining of practitionersTransition Study carried outTransition Policy from preschool toprimary school developed9. Centres move towards meeting StandardsCabinet approval of Standards.EO ECE working along with LeadPractitioners and Representative of CECEand MECA to develop monitoringproceduresProcedures shared and discussed with allpractitionersRevision and feedback taken intoaccountPublication of procedures Manual,dissemination to all stakeholders10.Involvement of partnersEO ECE to prepare position Paper on acase for offering an elective at theMontserrat Community College .EO ECE to have initial meeting withMinister of Education and othermembers of the Administrative Team;position paper to be shared30

ACTIONSMeeting with Principal of MCC set up ,invited to this meeting to share andbrainstorm Position paper would be DOE,Director Open campus, Rep CECE, and anyother delegated individualCommittee set up to carry feasibility study/surveyFindings presentedMONTSERRAT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – 3 YEAR WORK PLANYEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 32010 2011 2012 2013JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNCommittee to commence looking atmodels/curriculum/human resourcesavailable / needed for such a programmeDraft documents prepared in terms of whatis available/ costing / interest.Findings presented to Minister of EducationMinister appraises CabinetCabinet approval and time frame set for pilotprogramme11. Volunteerism - Support for ECEStudents from MCC with an interest in ECCDencouraged to volunteer at centresEO ECE prepares concept paper and meetswith Lead PractitionersLead Practitioners and EO ECE developExpectations for Student Volunteers ( ESV)EO ECE meets with MOE Admin Team andshares concept paper and ESVEO ECE meets with Principal of MCCEO ECE invited to address MCC students onthe subject of voluntarism in ECEStudents who have an interest will sign upwith MCC on the assigned FormParental Consent Forms are sent outOrientation follows after Parental consentforms have been returnedSchedule of placement/time and supervisoris preparedCommencement of Pilot on Volunteerism atECE Centres.12. Professional development and trainingStudy to determine level of qualification onpractitioners on island and training needspreference31

ACTIONSDetermine numbers to be trainedSource institutions regionally orinternationally which offer training in ECCDbased on Training needsCost training based on numbersMONTSERRAT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – 3 YEAR WORK PLANYEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 32010 2011 2012 2013JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNSelect nos for training based on costing,signing of contract by recipientsTraining commences for selected numbers32

ANNEX 111Year 1 Work Plan for Implementing the Montserrat ECD PolicyNos. Actions Agency/PersonResponsible1. Amendment to theEducation Act toinclude (0-8 year olds )pre-primary since Actalready includes 5 -8yearMinister ofEducationDraft CounselOfficer in theAttorney General’sOfficeCabinet ofMinistersPS/DOE ECE OfficerOutput Activities Time Line CostEducation Act 2004amended to cover(children 0-8 years)pre-primary childrenfrom birth to five.Minister to prepare paper on thesections of the Act to beamendment.Minister of Education tables paperfor discussion at CabinetAttorney General ‘s Office draftamendmentAmendment sent to CabinetCabinet sanctions amendment forlegislature.Cabinet may wish for Amendment toAct to be gazettedYear 1July – Oct2010-2 Approval,dissemination ofPolicy, and MinimumStandard.Minister ofEducationDraft CounselOfficer in theAttorney General’sOfficeCabinet ofMinistersPS/DOE ECE OfficerPolicy and MinimumStandard dated andapprovedSubmission of draft Policy andMinimum Standard for CabinetApproval following all requiredchanges/amendments.Cabinet conclusion andDate of approval added todocuments.Final copy publishedGazetting of Early Childhood Policyand Minimum Standard.Copies made for disseminationFormal Announcement of country’sPolicy, and Minimum Standard.Nov 2010- Jan2011ECD 5000.00associated costwith printing33

Nos. Actions Agency/PersonResponsible3 Establishment of aRegister of all childrenborn and residing onisland as well as birthsto Montserratianscitizens residingoverseas.StatisticDepartment,Ministry ofFinance, Economicsdevelopment andTrade,Ministry of HealthImmigration Dept.MOEOutput Activities Time Line CostRegister of births onisland as well asoverseasCollation of information available onisland from the relevant Ministries withregards to birthsCollection of information on arrivals ofcitizens returning with young childrenCollection of births from healthpersonnelCollection of information with regardsto registration at day care andpreschoolsCreation of a data base to cross checkinformation collected .September2010ongoingEO-ECE4 Orientation ofPractitioners onPolicy, Regulation andStandard.EO ECEFamiliarization ofpractitioners andstaff with Regulationand StandardPractitioners andstaff familiar withregulations &standardCopies of documents sent to all centersand made available to including privateregistered operatorsGroup sessions with practitionersJuly-Sept.2010Cost ofproduction ofdocuments.This wouldrequire costingon island.34

Nos. Actions Agency/PersonResponsible5 Assessment of thenumber of “homebased”earlychildhood serviceprovidersEO ECEOutput Activities Time Line CostData on the numberof home based ECDservice providers.Design Survey Tool for recordinginformation on each “child minder” interms of location , ages of children,number of children, condition ofenvironment of care both physical andoutdoor, qualification of caregivers,numbers, fees charged, number ofyears of providing the service etc.Make contact with persons to informthem of the intentions of registrationCarry out surveyData entered into the MOE , ECD bankAnalyze information garnered and planfor the type of assistance which will beprovided i.e. training etc to meet theminimum standards.Feb 2010to May2011US300.00Production ofForms for surveyand assistance.35

Nos. Actions Agency/PersonResponsibleOutput Activities Time Line Cost6 Registration of allservice providers ofearly childhood7. EducationAwareness of allStakeholdersEducation OfficerECEEO ECE and LeadPractitionersA registration systemestablished for allproviders of ECD onthe islandSensitization ofmembers of thepublic on the Policyand Regulation andStandard.EO ECE to design a form to capture allrelevant information needed.Form piloted using at least the oneregistered private operator and atleast three Government centers.Changes made if necessary.Use of Government PR as well as Radiostations to announce intention andreason for the exercise.Venue and time for collection ofForms, time frame for returning formsdiscussed.Memo to be sent to all known privateoperators.Data collated and entered in MOE ECDdata base for cross referencingTown hall meetingUse of the media housesPublication of sections of thePolicy, Regulations and Standard .July –Dec.2010Oct 2010-Nov 2010and ongoingAppEC$300.00(Paper ,photocopyingink )Publication ofdocument onGovernmentwebsite36

Nos. Actions Agency/PersonResponsibleOutput Activities Time Line Cost8 CPR and First Aidtraining for allpractitioners andrelevant personswho work at theCentres e.g. cook,bus drivers etc.EO ECEOrganizationidentified to carryout training.Service contractprepared, costingagreed on.Persons selectedto commencetrainingA cadre ofpractitioners whoare First Aid andCPR trained.Sourcing of organization e.g. RedCross to fashion curriculum specificto the age group for First Aid andCPR.Agreement on cost implicationEO ECE refers cost to P.S. MOEAgreement as to how cost is to bemet agreed onNumber of persons to commencetraining agreed on.Set date for commencement oftraining agreed on.November2010 toFebruary2011Cost perpersonagreed onmultiplied bythe numberof personsto be trained37

Nos. Actions Agency/PersonResponsibleOutput Activities Time Line Cost9 Appointment ofpersons to formCouncil on EarlyChildhood Education(CECE)Minister ofEducationNomination ofmembers.Cabinet acceptanceof submissionCabinet ConclusionLetters go out tomembersNames gazettedCouncil On EarlyChildhood Educationappointed.Agreement on the composition ofCouncil on Early Childhood Education(C ECE).Preparation of names for submissionto Cabinet.Adoption of submission by cabinetCabinet conclusion issued.Names of members of Early ChildhoodCouncil gazettedGovernor –in-Council appointedConvening Initial meeting of CECEJanuary2011- May201110 Centres move towardsmeeting Standard.Education OfficerECELead PractitionersRepresentative ofCouncil on EarlyChildhoodEducationRepresentative ofMontserrat EarlyChildhoodAssociation(MECA)Monitoringprocedure ManualdevelopedCabinet approval of StandardsEducation Officer working along withLead Practitioners and representativeof the CECE and MECA to developmonitoring procedures.Procedures shared and discussed withall practitioners.Revisions and feedback taken intoaccount.Publication of procedures Manual,disseminated to all stakeholders.July 2010 –June 2011onwardsCost ofmountingworkshop /meetings38

Nos. Actions Agency/PersonResponsible11 Involvement ofPartners.EO ECEMOEAdministrativeTeamPrincipal MCCHead OpenCampus, UWIOutput Activities Time Line CostPosition paperprepared.MOE buys into theidea.Persons identified tosit on WorkingCommitteeFirst meetingconvened.Committee meetsand position paperprepared.Draft documentpreparedEO ECE to prepare position paper onthe benefits of having such an electiveoffered at the MCCEO ECE to have initial meeting withMinister Education and othermembers of the Administrative Teamposition paper is shared.Move towards setting up a meetingwith the Principal of the MCC, DOE,Head Open Campus Director, andother members of the MOEAdministrative team.Committee to begin looking atModels/curriculum / human resourcesavailable.Draft document prepared in terms ofcurriculum to be used , staffavailability/ interest from students atMCC , costing implicationFollow through meeting as tofeasibility /possibility ofimplementation.Time frame established.Feb 2010-June 2011andonwards39

Nos. Actions Agency/PersonResponsible12 Volunteerism – EO ECESupport for ECE PrincipalParents ofStudents,StudentsOutput Activities Time Line CostPaper on theConcept ofvolunteerism in thearea of ECE.Forms for capturingdata completed.Consent forms done.List of studentsavailable.Orientation sessionDone.Schedule ofplacement available.A group of studentswho have beenexposed to the ECE,with a possibility ofchoosing this area asa career choice.EO ECE meets with Lead Practitionersto discuss the concept of studentvolunteerismLead Practitioners and EO ECE developExpectations for Student Volunteers (SV)EO ECE meets with Principal anddiscusses the need to market ECE tostudents as a career path through theconcept of volunteerismEO ECE gives short sessions to studentsat MCC.Students who indicate an interest arethen invited to submit their names toPrincipal MCC or delegated individual.EO ECE and Principal/ or delegatedrepresentative design Form whichwould allow them to keep data onstudents.Parental Consent Forms are alsodesigned.Short orientation is done with studentsafter Parental Consent Forms arereturned.Schedule of placements / time andsupervisor is prepared.Students commence attachments.December2010 –June 2011onwardsCost oforientationworkshop.Possibility ofassisting withtransportationcost.Production offorms.ApproximatelyEC$ 1000.0040