Dominica Govt approves 2-year contract for 40 new early childhood educators

Octavia Alfred, Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence
Octavia Alfred, Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence

Dominica: In the Cabinet Update for 26th January 2021, Octavia Alfred, Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, said that the government of Dominica approved the establishment of an early childhood development unit the ministry of education commends on July 1st, 2017, to improve the conditions of the coordinator and two assistance officers of education in order to quality education.

She added, “Our Ministry recognizes the critical role of early childhood educators in modern-day school learning.”

In Dominica, early childhood facility is incorporated into the primary school systems. 

She further notified that the principal is the ultimate head; the ministry is reviewing the education systems’ positions before views to create the permanent positions for early childhood educators.

Octavia Alfred pointed out, “The teachings dynamic I different and demanding more individual attention. These educators provide an uncomfortable safety environment in which young students can learn, not just early academics but social moto and adaptive skills.”

The early childhood development in the commonwealth of Dominica has seen in the last decades with amendments made in 2002 to the education act no 2 in 1997 that ensuring that the legislation met international standards and at the age of early childhood education range from 0 to 8 years. 

 She added, “In September 2012 government took the decision to access of universal childhood development.”

She emphasized, “In the first instance, the focus was given to increases in pre-school age from 3 to 5 years; as a result, access was made available within government-owned primary schools.”

Early childhood teachers specialized in the learning development and social and physical needs of the children.

The structure of early childhood education is different from the regular classroom experience.

Modern-day early childhood education is student-centered and open concept since early learners require maximum supervision. 

This vital step is the result of the focus of our government towards education. 

From Nov 2020 to January 2021, the cabinet has approved the 2-year contract for 40 new early childhood educators. 

The UNICEF and UN are assisting Dominica in comprehensive policy in early childhood education, which will guide this sector.  

Click here for more newsÂ