The 12 ECC Standards
The twelve (12) legal standards for the operation of ECIs in Jamaica cover the areas of:
- Staffing
- Development and Educational Programmes
- Interactions and Relationships with Children
- Physical Environment
- Indoor and Outdoor Equipment
- Health
- Nutrition
- Safety
- Child Rights, Child Protection and Equality
- Parent and Stakeholder Participation
- Administration
- Finance
A Certificate of Registration, when issued, is valid for five years.
Standard 1: STAFFING
The staff at early childhood institutions has the characteristics, training, knowledge, skills, and attitude, to help children achieve their full potential.
Standard 2: DEVELOPMENTAL & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES
Early childhood institutions have comprehensive programmes designed to meet the language, physical, cognitive, creative, socio-emotional, spiritual, cultural and school readiness needs of children.
Standard 3: INTERACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN
Early childhood staff has the characteristics, training, knowledge, skills and attitude to promote positive behaviours and reduce difficult and challenging behaviours in children.
Standard 4: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Early childhood institutions have physical environments that meet building, health and safety requirements; allow adequate space for children and facilitate the development of children and staff
Standard 5: INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT, FURNISHING AND SUPPLIES
Early childhood institutions have indoor and outdoor equipment and furnishings that are safe, child-friendly and promote optimal development of children.
Standard 6: HEALTH
Early childhood institutions have physical facilities, policies, programmes and procedures that promote healthy lifestyles and protect children and staff from illness.
Standard 7: NUTRITION
Early childhood institutions provide children in their care with nutritious meals and model good nutritional practices for children and families.
Standard 8: SAFETY
Early childhood institutions provide safe indoor and outdoor environments for children, staff, stakeholders and visitors to the institution.
Standard 9: CHILD RIGHTS, CHILD PROTECTION AND EQUALITY
Early childhood institutions uphold the rights of children, protect them from harm and ensure that all children have equal access to services.
Standard 10: INTERACTIONS WITH PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
The management and staff of early childhood institutions have good relationships with parents, caregivers, family members and the community.
Standard 11: ADMINISTRATION
Early childhood institutions have a management structure that ensures good administration. There are plans, policies, procedures and programmes that ensure child, family and staff well-being.
Standard 12: FINANCE
Early childhood institutions have sound financial practices and adhere to standard accounting principles.
