The perception that early childhood educators hold a lesser role in education was robustly challenged at the 2025 Early Childhood Development Conference, themed ‘Elevating Early Childhood Development, Strengthening Standards, Enhancing Service and Building Partnership.’
Attended by over 300 dedicated professionals in the field, the conference emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic improvement among those who nurture children from birth to age eight, a crucial phase for cognitive development.
Organized by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security with support from UNICEF and the Canadian Government, the event highlighted the critical nature of early childhood roles. Featured speaker Dr. Michelle Semple-McBean, an Early Childhood Development specialist from the University of Guyana, stressed that these practitioners are more than caregivers or teachers; they significantly influence families and community lives.
Dr. Semple-McBean noted the challenges faced by early childhood educators, including the misconception that their work resembles mere babysitting. The conference aimed to empower these professionals, with Dr. Semple-McBean affirming their unique contributions amidst enthusiastic applause.
The discussions covered important topics such as child protection, nutrition, play-based learning, and critical health assessments in early education settings. UNICEF’s Fiona Persaud announced promising initiatives, including a Multi-Sectoral ECD Policy and resources for childcare centers.
Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud expressed her motivation for the conference as a response to the urgent needs of early childhood caregivers, highlighting the training of over 1,000 practitioners and the licensing of 350 of the 360 daycare centers in Guyana, all dedicated to children’s safety and security.
Source: newsroom.gy
