THE DIOCESE INVOLVEMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Many of our churches very early involved themselves in the development of Early Childhood Education or Basic Schools. This took the form of setting up schools, in Church Halls, building Schools with the help of the members of the community on lands owned by the Church, or constructing buildings on "Church lands" already occupied by Primary or All Age School.
To date we are not certain of the number of Church-related early childhood centers. There are, however, twelve Infant Schools; these premises and buildings are owned by the Diocese but they are completely administered and financed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. These are:

Golden Grove Infant ) St. Thomas
Enfield Infant )
Darliston Infant ) Westmoreland
Petersfield Infant )
St. George's Girls Infant )
All Saints Infant )
St. Michael's Infant ) Kingston
Central Branch Infant )
AllmanTown Infant )
Albert Town Infant ) Trelawny
Christiana Infant ) Manchester
Alston Infant ) Manchester

The Early Childhood centers or Basic Schools number about eighty (80).
During June of 2002 a questionnaire along with a self-addressed envelope was sent/given to Head teachers. It requested reply to seven basic areas regarding the operation of each School. To date only 30 of these questionnaires has been returned.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

1 There is ample evidence to support the critical importance of the early years of child development
2 Many sources propose that learning begins at birth, and even those who support that it begins before birth.
3 It has been established that as much as ninety percent of the child's brain capacity develops during the early years, recognized as birth to eight years.
4 An appropriate early childhood intervention means the focus is on the development of the whole child. This will mean its health, its well being, its nutrition, its competence, its ability to think and its socialization skills. In essence this will mean the development of the mind, soul and body.

RECOGNITION STATUS

School which are recognized by the Ministry of Education are given grants for help in payment of Teachers' salary and the general running of the School. To be recognized, however, the following criteria must be met
1. the School must have a Sponsoring Body
2. The Schools' enrolment should not be less than twenty (20) students.
3. there should be not less than ten (10) sq. ft. of space per child
4. the building should be properly ventilated with toilet and urinal facilities
5. the application for recognition should be made to the Early Childhood Education Officer or Teacher Trainer.

THE MANAGEMENT OF THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE OR BASIC SCHOOL

1. Each centre or Basic School should be administered by a Sponsoring Body consisting of six (6) members including the Chairman elected annually by the P.T.A, of the school and three (3) co-opted members (no member shall serve for more than five consecutive years).

2. In the case of a Church Sponsored School the Sponsoring Body should be composed of
(i) three members including the Chairman nominated by the Church
(ii) three persons elected by the P.T.A. of the School
(iii) three persons co-opted by resolution at the first meeting of the Sponsoring Body
(iv) the Chairman of the Sponsoring Body should submit to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture
(a) the names and addresses of the members of the Board
(b) the three nominations from whom the Minister of Education may appoint the CORRESPONDING SPONSOR

DUTIES OF THE SPONSORING BODY

1. To establish and maintain cordial interrelationship between staff, pupils and community
2. to meet at least three times per term
3. to ensure that proper records are kept e.g. Log Book, Accounting Book, Inventory
4. to appoint members of staff in consultation with the Head teacher
5. to correspond with the Early Childhood Unit
6. to raise funds through school fees and fund raising ventures.
7. to cooperate with the Ministry of Education in the promotion of quality education; the professional growth of the staff through workshops and courses
8. to take steps to deal with irregularities in the operation of the school

FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE
Item 7.2 asks the Question "What support is provided by the Church?"
About 25% of responses recorded none, others recorded the following:
(a) conducting devotions once every week
(b) paying the water and electricity bills
(c) Church members being active members of the Sponsoring Body
(d) providing assistance for cutting of school yards
(e) participation in functions e.g. fund-raising, Graduation
(f) providing treat for students especially the Mothers' Union
(g) providing school fee for students

Item 7.3 asks "What other support can the Church provide?"
Chief help required by the way of provision of fencing and of flush toilets. One reply stated "more communication and Church involvement with the running of the School. Have devotion with Staff and Students, and give any assistance to improve the learning environment.

Prepared for Synod 2003 by

Melbourne B Wint (Mr)
Divisional Director - Anglican Schools

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