Dear Editor,

Thanks to the Jamaica Observer for welcoming the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) to your Monday Exchange on November 19, 2012, and for the many stories on early childhood development that resulted.

Thank you also for your editorial of Friday, November 23, calling for more funding for the early childhood sector. However, I wish to clarify that, as mentioned in our discussions, the private sector partnerships are being developed in tandem with a parallel effort to increase government funding to the sector.

The minister of education has given his commitment to increasing the funding for early childhood, and has charged the Board of Commissioners at the ECC to work with him in developing a targeted approach that maximises the new funds to be allocated. Increasing the number of trained teachers in the sector is a top priority for both the ECC and the minister.

As there are nearly 9,000 teachers in the sector, the costs to ensure trained teachers for all early childhood institutions will be high. With the many other needs, the early childhood sector will continue to need the support of our local corporations, foundations and international development partners to improve the quality of services we provide.

The early childhood sector stands to benefit significantly from the public education afforded by the Observer. We are grateful to media houses, such as the Observer, for helping us to raise awareness on these important issues and look forward to your continued support.

Maureen Samms Vaughan

Chairman

Early Childhood Commission

msammsvaughan@gmail.com