Government to take over private early childhood institutions

The Government has announced that it will be converting private early childhood institutions to publicly-run facilities.  

Education Minister, Senator Ruel Reid, says the process is slated to begin in September with the conversion of  the Jamaica House Infant School.  

The Education Minister made the disclosure on Friday at an awards function for the Project for the Advancement of  Early Childhood Education (P.A.C.E.) Canada.

He said it is anticipated that at least 50 per cent of  the institutions will be transitioned by 2020.  

Reid said the aim is to transition as many of  the institutions that have been registered and are working towards meeting the 12 operating standards for certification.

He said the government will take control of  the institutions and appoint new Boards which will be responsible for operating them.

The Education Minister noted that the change is necessary given that over the years, the Government has provided support to the over 24-hundred privately-run early childhood institutions.