NONE of the island's 2,820 early childhood instititions have met all the required operating standards set by the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) and as such have been able to achieve full registration status.

According to the ECC executive director, Winsome Johns-Gayle, only about 800 of the institutions have met some of the critical standards and have been issued with permits to operate, while 1,500 have been given reports to guide them in meeting the requirements during the ongoing inspection programme, which began in 2008.

"To date we have not been able to register any because most institutions are not able to meet the standards, however, we have been able to issue permits to some institutions to operate," said Johns-Gayle, who was speaking at a dedication ceremony at the Shortwood United Development Centre in St Andrew yesterday.

To attain a certificate of registration, each institution needs to satisfactorily meet the 12 standards, which speak to staffing, programmes, behaviour management, physical environment, equipment and furnishing, health, nutrition, safety, child rights, child protection and equality, parent and stakeholder participation as well as administration and finance.

"They are high standards, but if we don't strive for the best we will never get to our goal and objectives because ultimately what we want are children who are well developed in our society and that we identify areas where children need assistance and we can provide services to ensure their development," John's Gayle added.

Meantime, Johns-Gayle said the ECC has completed its early childhood curriculum for children ages zero to five years.

"So, all institution now would be able to operate on a common curriculum to ensure a standard of development for our children," she said.

Yesterday, she lauded the Optimist Club of Barbican Pines for taking on the initiative to extend Shortwood United Development Centre. The addition, which cost $ 3 million, includes a computer room, library, principal's office and a reception area.

Principal of the school, Colleen Rook expressed her gratitude an assured that Optimist Club that the new facility will be used to enhance the children's education and to serve the community.

Meanwhile, president of the Optimist Club of Barbican Pines, Gloria Walker was pleased at realising a ten-year-old dream.

"Today am overwhelmed by feelings in handing over this building extension that will immensely benefit children who we treasure dearly and will help with their learning and development," she said.