THE Early Childhood Commission (ECC) will hold its inaugural back-to-school fair at Emancipation Park in New Kingston tomorrow, beginning at 10:00 am.

The fair forms a major part of the ECC’s communication strategy, which is currently focusing on the areas of nutrition, early stimulation and parenting education at the early childhood level.

“We are using this fair to heighten the awareness of parents, members of the general public and early childhood practitioners of day- care centres and basic and infant schools about the importance of ensuring that the needs of our children are met in these critical areas,” Executive Director at the ECC Dr Joan Reid said in an interview with JIS News.

“We have to ensure that we get it right from the start by investing in our children today, in order to provide for them a secure future,” she added.

Among the participants at the fair will be the Ministry of Health, which will offer free immunisation for children at the early childhood level. Parents are being urged to take along their children’s Child Health and Development Passport.

The Registrar General’s Department, meanwhile, will provide birth registration services, while the Child Development Agency will be on hand to provide tips for operating an early childhood institution.

In addition, patrons attending the fair will be able to purchase Smarter Cards from the Jamaica Urban Transit Company, while the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Road Safety Unit will be on hand to provide safety tips and free demonstrations.

According to Communications Manager at the ECC Celia Morgan, several presentations on various topics from inter-sectoral agencies with an early childhood development focus will be made.

Topics such as effective parenting at the early childhood level; the ECC’s registration process; and the provision of support for parents through the Ministry of Labour’s Early Stimulation Programme and the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education will be discussed, she said.

“The event, which is expected to attract a large crowd, is geared towards educating parents, early childhood practitioners and children about important issues regarding the proper growth and development of children in the early childhood cohort,” Morgan noted.

There will be entertainment, prizes, surprises and giveaways throughout the day.