UNITED Way of Jamaica, in partnership with the CHASE Fund, the Early Childhood Commission, United Way of Greater Atlanta, and the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy, recently celebrated the achievements of 160 early childhood educators at the Read Right From The Start 3.0 Educator Recognition Ceremony held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters.

The educators successfully completed the third cohort of the Read Right From The Start programme, a six-month professional learning initiative designed to strengthen literacy instruction and improve learning outcomes among Jamaica’s youngest learners.

Funded by the CHASE Fund, the programme equips early childhood practitioners with evidence-based language and literacy strategies rooted in the science of reading and communicating. Through professional learning communities, access to the Cox Campus online learning platform, training delivered by three master trainers, and practical workshops facilitated by instructors at the Rollins Centre for Language and Literacy, educators gained practical tools to strengthen reading readiness, vocabulary development, comprehension, and meaningful communication among children aged three to six years.

This year, 207 early childhood practitioners enrolled in the programme, with 160 successfully completing all required courses and training components.

Speaking at the recognition ceremony, Kerry-Lee Lynch, CEO of United Way of Jamaica, commended the graduates for their commitment to professional development and the future of Jamaica’s children.

Conroy Rose of United Way of Jamaica makes a presentation to Read Right from the Start 3.0 programme’s second top performer Rosemarie Clark-Gray, during the recognition ceremony held at the UWI Regional Headquarters on June 16.

“At United Way of Jamaica, we firmly believe that one of the most powerful ways to transform lives is by investing in those who shape young minds. This programme has provided opportunities for educators to deepen their practice using evidence-based strategies that foster language development, meaningful interactions and a love for learning among our youngest citizens,” she said.

The programme’s curriculum included professional learning in oral language: the foundation of literacy, meaningful conversations, and transforming storytime. Participants completed self-paced coursework and practical workshops designed to support the classroom application of literacy strategies and strengthen early childhood instruction.

The recognition ceremony formed part of the final week of activities focused on advancing evidence-based literacy instruction and celebrating the dedication of Jamaica’s early childhood educators to improving learning outcomes across the island.

Cori Cain, associate vice-president of education at United Way of Greater Atlanta, spoke about the changes in the programme over the years.

“We had a really great turn-out in year one and year two and an even better turnout here in year three. We are pleased to see the work sustained over those three years. The energy hasn’t changed despite the leadership changes over the years and it just shows the commitment of the Jamaican people to plant a seed in the future of Jamaica and the children,” Cain said.

Participants in the programme complete a series of professional learning courses and engaged in practical workshops that reinforced classroom application.

Kerry-Lee Lynch (left), CEO of United Way Jamaica, makes the presentation to Read Right from the Start 3.0 programme’s top performer Alecia Smith, during the recognition ceremony held at the UWI Regional Headquarters on June 16.

Among those recognised were top achievers Alecia Smith and Rosemarie Clark-Gray, who completed the highest number of courses in their cohort.

For Smith, teacher at God’s Little Angels in Spanish Town, the literacy training programme has sparked a greater desire for advanced education and impact.

“My biggest takeaway from this experience would be to pursue even more education. I’d like to go to college and advance myself by attaining an early childhood degree up to the master’s level so I can make a difference not just in early childhood education but at other levels as well,” she shared.

Clark-Gray, founder of Solid Beginnings in Spalding, Clarendon, with over 30 years of progressive teaching experience as an early childhood educator, has found there is still more to learn and give to her students.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ll be taking away from this experience is giving the children a voice, helping them to be able to express themselves freely in a space that is safe for them,” she said. ”Also, ensuring that their first language is embraced, and understanding that it is through embracing their first language that they will be able to express themselves in the language that you want them to use.“