👩‍🎓 Cayman Islands Premier explores Canadian early education model

Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly of the Cayman Islands recently led a delegation to Canada to examine the country's Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector. The trip, which was not publicized prior to her departure, aimed to learn from Canada's practices, particularly its public-private partnership models. The delegation explored community-based support programmes for vulnerable children and families, potential student exchange programmes, and qualification pathways for aspiring early childhood educators. They also visited ECCE institutions such as the Nelson Mandela Child Care Centre and Parkdale Child Care Centre. 🎒

The Premier stated that the visit was invaluable in gathering insights on how to further strengthen early childhood education programmes in the Cayman Islands. "We are unwavering in our commitment to providing all our children with the best possible start in life, and the knowledge gained from Canada will be instrumental in achieving this goal,” she said. The delegation also had discussions with several key education stakeholders, including the executive director and senior policy analyst at the Atkinson Centre, University of Toronto, and a programme advisor in the Ministry of Education. 🏫

Accompanying the Premier on the trip were Acting Chief Officer Lyneth Monteith, Acting Deputy CO Adrian Jones, Senior Policy Advisor and Manager for ECCE Dr Pearlyn Henry-Burrell, Early Childhood Officer Vanessa Cameron, Morning and Aftercare Programme Coordinator Neila Jones, and Early Intervention Programme Coordinator Dr Cheryl Rock. 📚