THREE hundred early childhood teachers and parents are expected to strengthen their skills following their participation in the Advancing Childhood Education Programme (ACEP) in the parishes of Clarendon and Manchester.

Sponsored by Jamalco and the Alcoa Foundation, at a cost of US$180,000, the ACEP targets teachers and parents at select basic schools in the parishes where the company operates.

ACEP aims to increase the literacy and numeracy levels of children at the early childhood level by equipping teachers with the relevant knowledge and skills, so that they in-turn, can make a more positive impact on the educational development of their students.

Jamalco has partnered with a number of organisations on this initiative, such as the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), which has responsibility for delivering 19 one-day parenting workshops for 150 parents whose children are enrolled in the selected basic schools. The Mico University College, meanwhile, is responsible for training 75 teachers per year, over the next two years, while United Way of Jamaica has responsibility for administering the project funds.

Managing director of Jamalco, Jerome Maxwell, said that "any investment in early childhood education is an investment for the future", while underscoring the importance of parental involvement in children's education and emphasising the importance of the parent training sessions to be led by the ECC.

Acting Executive director of the ECC Michelle Campbell, meanwhile, noted that the ECC was committed to ensuring that parents receive proper guidance and support and become equipped with the necessary skills which will enable them to better interact with their children as they seek to enhance their children's learning, development and education.

Parents participated in a training session at the Berean Church of God in Four Paths, Clarendon, last Friday.