The Impact of High-quality Early Childhood Education

Good morning ECI Operators and Practitioners

High-quality Early Childhood education allows children the best start in life. It provides important opportunities to learn and develop. Children enrolled in high-quality early learning programmes are more likely to graduate from high school, be employed and less likely to commit juvenile offenses, and be dependent on government assistance. High-quality Early Childhood programmes support children’s transition to primary level education by enabling them to master the foundation skills they need to succeed.

The National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning has identified 13 components that need to be present in an effective Early Childhood curriculum: 1. Grounded in child development principles 2. Evidence-based 3. Shows effects on child outcomes 4. Comprehensive across learning domains

5. Depth for each covered learning domain

6. Specific learning goals

7. Well-designed learning activities

8. Responsive teaching

9. Supports for individualized instruction

10. Culturally and linguistically responsive

11. Ongoing assessments

12. Professional development opportunities

13. Family involvement materials

For more information, please see Standard 2- Developmental and Educational Programmes in the Standards Document for Early Childhood Institutions available on our website at or contact the Early Childhood Commission at communications@ecc.gov.jm

Continue to follow us on Twitter (@ECCJA), Facebook (Early Childhood Commission), and Instagram (earlychildhoodcommission) for regular updates on progress and activities related to early childhood development.