KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Fourteen infant departments are to be established at primary schools across the island under the Early Childhood Rationalisation Programme.

The rationalisation process involves merging clusters of basic schools as well as subsuming some into infant departments of primary schools. This is done according to factors such as the number of students at each institution and the needs of the area, among other considerations.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid, who made the disclosure in a ministerial statement in the Senate recently, said that regional teams from the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) and the ministry are engaged in work to facilitate the rationalisation process.

He said that this entails providing data on basic schools in proximity to the primary schools that will be impacted as well as participating in meetings with the boards of management of the primary institutions to provide information on the process and requirements for registration with the ECC.

A sum of $50 million has been provided in this year’s budget for renovation or modification works at primary schools, to create infant departments.

A similar amount was allocated in last year’s budget for the creation of infant departments in 30 primary schools. Work has been completed on 28, while the remaining two are almost ready.

Highlighting the benefits to be derived from the rationalisation process, Senator Reid said it will provide children with access to high-quality early-childhood services that will positively impact their development.

This will result in improved student performance at the primary and secondary levels and reduce the need for remedial studies.