Opposition Spokesman on Education, Damion Crawford, has pointed to major shortcomings in Jamaica’s early childhood sector, suggesting that a significant percentage of four-year-olds are not assessed before they enter the formal education system.

Crawford drew attention to the deficiencies in the sector on Tuesday as he made his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

“Of approximately 29,729 four-year-olds assessed in 2024, only 54.4 percent met all expected developmental milestones. Additionally, 19 per cent of enrolled students were not assessed. When adjusted to the estimated age cohort, only 37 per cent of children were assessed as having fully met all expected developmental milestones,” said Crawford.

“This indicates that a significant proportion of children are entering primary school without the necessary developmental readiness. More concerning is that these deficiencies are largely environmental and structural, not biological,” Crawford added.

He said the system is failing children before formal education even begins.

“Access remains limited, particularly for children aged zero to three. Provision is heavily dependent on private and community operators, making access contingent on the ability to pay,” Crawford outlined.

He noted that just about 15 per cent of institutions are fully certified and funding remains at approximately 0.24 per cent of GDP, far below the international benchmark of one per cent.

“Additionally, fewer than 19 per cent of teachers at this level hold a bachelor’s degree,” Crawford added.