Address by Hon. Minister Octavia Alfred in observance of Early Childhood Development Month

The next major highlight is Health Week to be observed from November 9^th to 13^th.  During that time, we recommend that children are exposed to positive ideas and given simple strategies that they can do to enhance their holistic development; strategies that go beyond what we have been promoting just for managing the pandemic.  It is expected that these health tips will also be extended to the adults in the family as well as to all caregivers. 

November 16^th to the 20^th is Family Focus Week.  During this week we expect that families will be more involved with the early childhood programmes.  As is customary we always take time to place emphasis on local food to inculcate in our children a love for our natural products.  This year, the focus is on Spinach. 

On Monday, November 16^th, we expect, that families will provide their children with something made from spinach and we also ask that families engage the children as much as is possible in preparing these items.  In the case of the daycares and the preschools, we are asking that families bring the various food items that have been made from spinach. 

At the centers, as we display these items, we expect that our early childhood educators will embrace the opportunity to discuss the health benefits of spinach.  Additionally, we recommend that the focus of activities at all centers will be on spinach.  Let us get our children engaged in doing activities that revolve around spinach including preparing a spinach garden, no matter how small it may be.    

Every year International Men’s Day is observed on November 19^th.  On that day we ask that males play a more active role in activities at the homes and/or at the centres.  We invite men to showcase their talents; go in and read to the children, play a musical instrument, talk to them about your field of work.  Let’s get creative with our children.

November 20^th is Universal Children’s Day.  We ask that a special effort is made to make each child feel special.  While we may have activities as a group, we ask that we use this opportunity to give individual attention to every child especially those who may be vulnerable in one way or the other.

We will observe Community Outreach Week from November 23^rd to the 30^th.  During this week, we ask that we get our children to give some attention to at least one person who is vulnerable; it may be an adult or a child.  This is an opportunity to teach our children to care not only for self but also for others especially for those who are less fortunate than them.  Of course, we need to do so while maintaining all our safety protocols.

The culminating activity for the month is career day which is to be observed on November 30^th, giving children the opportunity to dress in outfits that portray careers of their choice.