The Early Childhood Commission is in the process of developing a programme to re-engage early childhood institutions which are yet to apply for registration, said Andrew Holness, minister of education.

Speaking last Thursday during a press conference, Holness said only about 70 per cent of early childhood institutions were registered.

Critical process

"We are contemplating measures to re-energise the process of registration. We want 100 per cent registration; that is critical for inspection," Holness told the gathering at the Ministry of Education's Heroes Circle offices.

He added: "Indeed, if we don't do that, then the new legislation that manages the early childhood sector would essentially fail."

Basic schools, day-care centres, infant schools, as well as kindergartens and pre-schools, were given until February 29 last year to submit applications to the commission. This is in keeping with the Early Childhood Act and Regulations.

The Early Childhood Act sets 12 basic standards for institutions. These include qualified staff, a proper physical environment, safe indoor and outdoor environments, and sound financial practices.

Financial constraints

Some institutions say they have difficulty implementing some of the recommendations because of financial constraints, among other things.

Permanent secretary in the education ministry, Audrey Sewell, said some of the institutions that had not completed the registration process would be getting financial and other support from the ministry.