OPERATORS of early childhood institutions are being reminded that the construction of any new complex must have facilities to accommodate children with disabilities, in keeping with the 2005 Early Childhood Act to be enforced in 2007.

Executive director of the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) Merris Murray has cautioned that the provision of adequate and appropriate facilities for children with disabilities should not be taken lightly by operators of early childhood institutions.

“There are standards that speak to access for children who are physically challenged.The law recommends that any new institution that is going to be built after the commencement of the Act should have (for example) a ramp on it to give free access to children who are physically challenged,” she said.

In addition to ramps, they should have walkways that allow easy access to classrooms, administrative areas, bathrooms and play areas.

“The institution should have adequate space for crutches and it should also have an adequate number of wash basins and toilets that are of wheel chair height. We are really looking at a policy of inclusion, whereby children who are physically challenged can be comfortably accommodated,” Murray said.

She noted that any operator who wished to run an early childhood institution at a place of residence must ensure that it was properly separated from the living area.

“It (the law) recommends that no institution shall be located where a person resides. However, if this occurs, the section of the building where that institution is being operated should be used exclusively for this purpose during the hours of operation of that institution. So you can’t have people living in an institution that is being operated,” she said.

Murray added that an early childhood institution must also have a sick bay for children, and separate bathrooms for staff and children. In addition, she said there should be separate sections designated for sleep, food preparation and eating.

All indoor and outdoor areas, she said, must be safe for the children to play.

“The premises must have space for internal play and access to an outdoor play area because if we are talking about an environment that is stimulating for the child, then the child must be given the opportunity to explore the external environment,” she said.

Against this background, she said that the institution must be properly fenced and gated to prevent children from leaving the compound, as well as to prevent persons from entering the premises without permission.

Prior to the implementation of the regulations and accompanying measures, the ECC, in collaboration with the Enhancement of Basic Schools Project (EBSP), will be undertaking a public education campaign beginning in January next year.

“We will be enforcing the law very soon, and so we are working closely with the Ministry of Education and with the EBSP, to develop a national consultation programme so that we can inform stakeholders about the requirements and the mechanisms that are going to be put in place, which will be required under the law,” Murray said.