EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION

 “Convention on the Rights of the Child”

Things you need to know about the Rights of a Child

Source: http://www.anthromania.com

Have you heard about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child or the Child Care and Protection Act? Through them, the government has expressed its commitment to the Rights of the Child and has put organisations in place to monitor and implement these rights. But what exactly are the Rights of the Child, and how can parents and practitioners ensure these rights are not breached? This article will highlight some of the rights of the child and what can be done to protect these rights.

The first recorded instance of enforcing the Rights of a Child was in 1924 by founder of the Save the Children Fund, Eglantyne Jebb. Since then, there has been continuous effort to provide protection for all children across the world. All the efforts came to fruition in 1989 with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child that Jamaica endorsed in 1991. Under this convention, Jamaica pledged to uphold the rights of the child including but not limited to:

1. Right to be born
2. Right to live with dignity
3. Right to rest and leisure, engage in play and recreational activities
4. Right to education
5. Right to equity and equality for mentally or physically disabled children
6. Right to access health care services
7. Right to privacy
8. Right to freedom of expression
9. Protection from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse
10. Protection from torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989).

Source: Queensland Child Protection Week

But where does our role come in? What can we do to ensure that children’s rights are not violated?

• Get in the Know.

The first step to “get in the know” has been completed as you are now aware of the rights of children. To remain in the know feel free to do additional research on the other rights and responsibilities of the state.

• Educate Children on their Rights

Help children to know the difference between right and wrong. Let them know that they have rights too; help them to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable actions from adults. Encourage them to inform a parent or caregiver if someone makes them uncomfortable or hurts them in any way.

• Report Suspected Violations of Children’s Rights 

There are organisations responsible for the protection of children in Jamaica, such as the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) that can be called for assistance. There is also the 24-hour hotline: 211, 1-888- PROTECT (776-8328); 876-948-2841-2; or by e-mail report@childprotection.gov.jm. Call if any suspicions or concerns are there.

• Treat the Children that are in your Care Well

Provide all children with appropriate love and affection. Treat them with respect and patience. Foster a relationship that is nurturing to support children’s long-term development.

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”–  Frederick Douglass

As we approach the third month of the school year, everyone can breathe a sigh of relief. The children have successfully started school and are on their way to academic success. The focus now shifts to providing physical and emotional support to ensure that children are able to successfully complete the academic year. The transition to a new environment can be difficult for everyone including children. Whilst they may have familiarised themselves with the new school or class, they may still experience some challenges. Here are a few tips on how to maintain a smooth transition with your children:

A Backpack Loaded with Necessities and Knick Knacks Too!

 By this time, parents would have purchased all the necessary and age-appropriate stationaries and books that are needed to support their child’s learning. Along with the prescribed items, parents are also encouraged to pack their child’s favorite blanket and or toy to assist with easy transition to the classroom setting. Lastly, it is essential that backpacks are refreshed each weekend with clean change of clothes, wipes, clean blankets, learning supplies and all the other items needed by your child.

              Source: wildkin.com

A Lunch Bag Fill with Nutrition and Fun

Continue to pack children’s favorite snack for snack time, but ensure that the snacks are healthy and meet the daily nutritional intake. Wood (2023) explains that a balanced diet is essential to children’s growth and development, create heathy eating habits in adulthood and reduces the possibility of developing illnesses. If you are not sure what to pack, liaise with the school administrators or your child’s class teacher. But as a start, parents can ensure that with every fun snack, they pack some vegetables, fruit and water.

List of Illnesses, Allergies or Sensitivities

Children’s safety is of utmost importance and should be guaranteed when they are at school.  Parents should ensure that their child’s teacher is informed of all illnesses, allergies and sensitivities children may have to help them prepare for an emergency. Help to keep them safe and healthy!

              Source: barbadostoday.bb

Shoes Made for Running

Parents are encouraged to purchase shoes that are comfortable and can be easily fitted by children. Can you imagine going to the play area and one of your shoes accidentally slips off and you are unable to put it back on? How frustrating! Let us support the independence of our little ones by getting them shoes that they can easily take off and put on with little or no assistance. Comfortable shoes will also allow children to move about freely during daily play activities.   

A Steady and Healthy Breakfast

A great day starts with a healthy breakfast. A healthy breakfast should include fruits, protein and starch to provide children with the prescribed energy needed for them learn, play and enjoy their day. As Gavin (2021) points out children who eat a healthy breakfast “get better grades and score higher on standardized tests”. So to ensure that children get the best start to their day and to reduce the stress of the early morning routine, plan meals ahead for the week.

A Never-ending Stream of Parental Support

Source: christianitytoday.com

The excitement of the new school year is starting to wear off and the reality of school has started to set in. Children may start to feel overwhelmed or anxious about their routines. Have a talk with them before they are dropped off at school. Let them know that they can achieve anything one they set their mind to it.  Talk to children about the perks of going to school for e.g., play time, circle time, guided learning, outside play, meeting new friends and learning about their environment. Encourage them not to give up and remember that you will always be there to support them. Additional information on the importance of parental support in early childhood education, can be found on the June Blog: https://theeccblogspot.home.blog/2023/06/21/the-importance-of-parental-support-in-early-childhood-development/

The summer is here! Schools are out and the children are home. During this time parents would want to keep them engaged and active. However, we all know this is no easy task as keeping children occupied requires creative thinking and planning. Well, this summer have no fear for the ECC is here, with a list of fun activities that parents can do with their children during the summer. Let’s get started;

• AT HOME MOVIE NIGHT– Plan a movie night for the whole family. Children can watch their favourite movies and parents can make children’s favourite movie treats like popcorn and hot dogs.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com

• A PICNIC – Parents can plan a picnic and sit down to eat with children. This activity can be done at the park, on the lawn at home or even in a room in the home.  Parents can prepare picnic snacks like sandwiches and fruits salads, load them into a basket, find the perfect spot and enjoy a picnic with children.

Source: www.bigstockphoto.com/image-2878394

• WRITE & ILLUSTRATE A STORYBOOK- This activity is great for empowering children’s imagination and creativity. Children will have fun creating their own story lines and characters.  Parents can then read their child’s storybook to them at bedtime or anytime of the day.  

Source: http://www.library.upenn.edu

• MAKE ART- Parents and children can create art projects during the summer. This is the perfect activity for a budding artist. Children can paint rocks, make scrapbooks or create outdoor artwork on the sidewalk with chalk. Children’s art pieces can also make great gifts for family and friends.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com

• MAKE MUSIC– Children can make their own instruments or play traditional ones. Parents can record children musical creation by using their smartphones. Not only will children love this activity, but it will also help with their growth and development as they sing and dance to their creation.

Source: http://www.istockphoto.com

• BUILD A BACKYARD WATERPARK- Children will enjoy getting cool to beat the summer’s heat. Parents can design backyard waterparks with pools, pails of water, a homemade waterslide and have children play games with water balloons and squirters.

Source: http://www.offset.com

• COOKING PROJECTS- This is fun, easy and practical. Parent can have children cook some of their favourite foods like pizza or make delicious treats like popsicles. Either way children love will these activities and the family can enjoy the rewards at the end.

Source: http://www.evolveservices.org

“Children Live What They Learn”

Parents are the first and most important teachers a child will ever have. It is important that parents get and stay involved in their child’s education from the early childhood stage. This is their first step into the formal education system, and while practitioners are excited about the journey with them, it is important that parents come along the journey. This article will explore the importance of parental support in early childhood development.

• Children Mimic Their Parents Action

Source: Whattoexpect.com

“Before children learn their alphabets, they learn how to imitate others”, (Oakfield Early Learning Centre, 2019). Children will always mimic the behaviour of their parents. If parents show interest in school and education children will too and understand its importance.

• Increase Student Achievement

Source: SimplyMui/Masterlife

The children of parents who participate in school activities tend to be more involved in school. Parental support in education leads to better student achievement and increased confidence, (Brooks, 2019). Children have a better relationship with school when it is something that they enjoy with their parents and can translate into what they learn at home. There is nothing brighter than the smile of a child showing a parent a drawing or piece of work completed at school.

• Build Positive Parent-Teacher Relationships

Maintaining a positive parent-staff relationship is very vital. Children 3-6 years are at their social-emotional development stage and absorb the behaviours around them. They are learning acceptable versus unacceptable behaviour, which they carry with them for life.  When they observe a positive and happy relationship between their parents and practitioners they are more likely to regulate their behaviour in a positive manner.   

• A Better Understanding Of Their Developmental Status

Source: UNICEF

Every child deserves the best shot at achieving their goals and some children may need more help than others. The earlier parents are able to detect that their child may need specialized assistance, the better. Keeping up with their education is the best way for parents to notice if a child is struggling in any area. This early detection will give parents more time to understand their child’s challenge and know how best to help them be the best they can be.

‘Building a Resilient Nation through Resilient Educators’

The theme for the 2023 Professional Development Institute was “Transforming Education Through Resilient Educators”, which truly embodies the importance of professional development. Resilient educators are the backbone of all nations and the foundation on which all other careers are built. This is why it is important that early childhood practitioners are exposed to constant professional development. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of professional development for early childhood educators:

• Builds Resilient Educators

Source: iStock photo

Things and times change, and this too applies to teaching and learning strategies. The more discoveries are made about the mind, its differences and how it works, the more attention needs to be paid to teaching techniques and strategies. The ECC’s Professional Development Institute is designed to expose educators to the changing world around them and the advancements in teaching strategies to build more resilient educators.

• Expand the Knowledge Base of Practitioners

To ensure the resilience of educators, professional development seeks to provide continuous upskilling of their knowledge, competence and practices. The results from the 2022 Jamaica School Readiness Assessment revealed that an increase in practitioners’ level of education resulted in better grades for the students. Therefore, the continuous development of practitioners increases their knowledge and competence which by extension better prepares the children for matriculation to the primary level of education level.

• Positive Child Outcomes

Source: iStock photo

The professional development of early childhood educators is considered very important to the quality of experiences given to the children in their care (Sheridan et al, 2009). Professional development provides opportunities for career enhancement and meeting professional goals and aspirations. The happier and more fulfilled educators are, the better the environment they create for the children in their care. Research has shown that children who are exposed to more peaceful and accepting environments are more likely to be healthy, intelligent and resilient adults.

“It is through resilient educators that we build a resilient nation”-ECC PDI 2023

Early childhood education is constantly evolving to meet the needs of children in this ever-changing world. Currently, there are a few trends that are taking early childhood education by storm. These trends are improving and enhancing the way early children education is delivered to enrich the lives of children. Here are some of the popular trends:

Use of Technology to enhance learning in the ECD Classroom

Technology has been used to improved so many areas of life, the same can be said about early childhood education. Technology is being used to advance teaching and learning in the sector. Classrooms are being transformed through the use of artificial intelligence, digital whiteboards, lap tops and tablets.  When used appropriately technology has a remarkable effect on early childhood education. It facilitates inclusive learning, guides the development of children, increases resource availability, improves the delivery of the curriculum through different learning and teaching styles, while enabling children to learn, play and express themselves. Here at the ECC, PACE Canada donated 1000 onetab tablets to classrooms across the island, along with 40 tablets from Ilah’s Lemonade as well as laptops from the Usain Bolt Foundation and the One Laptop per Child Initiative from PACE Canada.

Source: www.pacer.org

Promotion of Early Literacy in Children

Early Literacy is the gate way to lifelong learning and achievement. It provides children with a great start in the race of life and for this reason it has been one of the most heavily promoted trends in early childhood education in recent times. Teachers and Parents are being urged to introduce young children to letters, sounds, vocabulary and storytelling as soon as they are born. Early Literacy can be supported through activities such as singing, reading and playing with nursery rhymes. Here at the ECC early literacy is support through initiatives such as the 1^st 1000 days App and the Brain Builder Centres.

Source: www.our.today.com

Engaging Children in Social-Emotional Learning

Children need to become well-rounded adults. This means that academics is not the only focus of education. To ensure other areas of their development are being encouraged, early childhood education has adopted Social-Emotional Learning.  Social-Emotional Learning equip children with the social and emotional skills needed to express and understand their emotions, empathize with others, make responsible decisions and form healthy and positive relationships. Apart from these benefits social-emotional learning is also cost effective as a well-designed social-emotional learning program can yield an average return of US$11 for every dollar spent (UNESCO, 2022). Here at the ECC, the Irie Classroom and Irie Home programmes are universal, violence-prevention, teacher-training programmes that trains early childhood practitioners and parents in child behaviour management and the promotion of child-social emotional competence.

Source: www.cfchildren.org

Creating awareness of Environmental Education in ECD Classroom

This trend stemmed from the current global environmental crisis and the call for sustainable development. Environmental education is being added to the academic curriculum and children are being taught environmental awareness from a young age. Through environmental education children are provided with the knowledge and skills to combat environmental issues such as climate change and promote activities that ensure sustainable development such as recycling and water conservation. For more information, please visit the ECC’s website for the Jamaica Early Childhood Curriculum that has more ideas and best practices under the learning outcome, Respect for Self, Others and the Environment. 

Source: www.treesthatfeed.org

Creating an Environment that is Inclusive for all Children

An inclusive classroom is being encouraged as it is a learning environment where all learners feel supported intellectually and academically, and feel a sense of belonging regardless of identity, learning preferences or abilities and it is paramount that this begins with early childhood education (UNICEF, 2021). Early Childhood Education is cultivating a learning environment where each child’s unique contribution to the classroom is embraced in hopes that this can be translated to an inclusive society.

In celebration of the “Year of Early Childhood Development 2022” and to mark “Jamaica 60”, the Early Childhood Commission is implementing an Early Childhood Development Legacy Project.  The overall objective of the project is to retrofit classrooms existing Infant Schools, in order to support the holistic development of children with special needs along with their peers who do not have special needs.  The first four classrooms will be located at the following Infant Schools:

• Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School I (Kingston)
  • Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School (St. Thomas)
  • Bethabara Infant School, Newport Manchester
  • Hoolebury Primary and Infant Department, Runaway Bay, St Ann

Thanks to the Digicel Foundation, UJAA, CHASE Fund, United Way of Jamaica and Ms.  Juwell Harley for donating these inclusive classrooms!

Source: www.resilienteducator.com

Are you passionate about play?! February 2023 is being celebrated as play month under the theme “The passion for play”. Play should be encouraged and included in the daily activities of children because it influences the way they learn and develop. The more children engage in play, the more conscious they are of their environment and how it works. It is also important to note that, aside from the cognitive benefits of play, there are also social, physical and therapeutic benefits which allows children to socialize with peers, learn effective communication and negotiation skills (Anderson-McNamee, 2010).

Did you know that there are different forms of play? Let’s take a look at three different types of play in Early Childhood Development.

CREATIVE PLAY/ DRAMATIC PLAY

Source: parentingnow.org

Creative play allows children to express their creativity and imagination. This form of play is considered as open-ended play because there is no end results or outcome as the children are free to create whatever they want. Just take a peek at the picture above, the children are provided with blocks of different colours and sizes. You can see that they are working together and using their imaginations to create a masterpiece. You may never know, it could be a house, bus or even a dinosaur. Forms of creative play include Arts, singing, dancing, role play and storytelling.

Some benefits of creative play are: It encourages creativity in children, allows children to express themselves freely, aid in the development of their fine motor skills and allows children to explore new ideas.

FREE PLAY

Source: pixnio.com

Free Play is when children have the freedom to choose their activities and areas of focus. This type of play is unstructured and voluntary. During free play, children are able to express their creativity through play. Forms of free play include Sand and water play, dress up play, symbolic play, building puzzles and process art.

Some benefits of free play are: It teaches independence, allows children to discover their interest and skills and create decision making skills.

OUTDOOR PLAY

Source:shutterstock.com

Outdoor play is one of the things that characterize childhood (Johnson et al, 2010). Outdoor play provides children with the opportunity to explore the natural environment. Outdoor play also allows children to develop more advance motor skills. Some forms of outdoor play include climbing, swinging, cycling, bat and ball and running.

Some benefits of outdoor play are exposure to vitamin D through exposure to the sun, enhances physical development and promotes advance motor skills.

Let’s get passionate about play in ECD because “Play is the answer to how anything new comes about”- Jean Piaget