High-Quality Early Childhood Education: A Right, Not a Privilege

Winsome M. Sherrier Witter
Apr 21
3 min read

Introduction: It Starts with Our Children

What if we told you that early childhood education in Jamaica isn't just a stepping stone — it's a fundamental right?

On this powerful episode of our Child Rights Series 2025, we teamed up with the Early Childhood Commission to dive deep into a topic that affects every Jamaican family: high-quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) as a child's right, not a service.

Hosted by Serenity Resource Connector, this dynamic forum brought together passionate voices from Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to shift the public mindset and ignite a national movement for change.

Meet the Panel – Advocates for Our Nation’s Future

Winsome Sherrier Witter – Moderator, keeping the energy alive and voices balanced.
Nicole Morgan – Early Childhood Commission, setting the vision.
Dr Pearline Henry-Burrell – International ECCE presenter from the Cayman Islands.
Latoya Foster – Project Manager at the Chase Fund, championing infrastructure and access.

Why ECCE is a Right – Not a Luxury

Every Jamaican child deserves access to safe, inclusive, and empowering learning spaces, regardless of background.

Key Messages:

Nicole Morgan reminds us: “Children are not passive recipients—they are rights-holders.”
Dr Burrell highlights the legal and moral responsibility of governments to protect and invest in ECCE.
Latoya Foster urges us to unlearn the idea that early learning is a favour or privilege.

What Does High-Quality Early Childhood Education Look Like?

Here’s what true quality early childhood education in Jamaica should include:

Play-based, developmentally appropriate learning
Safe, nurturing environments
Trained, compassionate educators
Parent and community involvement
Technology-enhanced classrooms
Focus on nutrition and emotional wellbeing

As Nicole Morgan puts it, “It’s not just about buildings—it’s about holistic development.”

Chase Fund's Impact on ECCE in Jamaica

The Chase Fund Jamaica plays a major role in turning vision into reality:

Equipping schools with interactive whiteboards
Constructing and upgrading infant schools islandwide
Providing kitchen equipment for nutrition programmes
Funding scholarships and teacher development

Latoya Foster: “We’re not just building schools—we’re building futures.”

From Awareness to Action – A Regional Perspective

Dr Burrell delivered an electrifying call to action, sharing insights from her work in the Cayman Islands:

How to Turn Passion Into Policy:

Strengthen laws to protect ECCE rights.
Invest in training for teachers and stakeholders.
Monitor quality through inspection and evaluation.
Bring services to families – not just the other way around.
Foster collaboration across agencies, both locally and regionally.
Use data to drive decisions – no more guesswork.

The Rhythm of PDI 2025

Why do educators return year after year to PDI?

It’s more than an event—it’s a movement. From engaging workshops to music-infused sessions and policy panels, PDI 2025 is a place of transformation and inspiration.

What Makes It Special:

Over 100 sessions, live-streamed for global access
Creative child expression tracks
UNESCO and regional presenters
Real Jamaican flavour – rhythm and energy included

“The rhythm from the room stays with you for weeks,” says Dr Burrell.

Final Word: Will You Answer the Call?

As the session closed, the message rang loud and clear:

“High-quality early childhood education must be seen and upheld as a right—not a privilege.”

Now it’s up to us—all of us—from educators and funders to policymakers and parents—to champion the cause.

Take Action Now

🎥 Watch the Replay: Click here to view the full video

📆 Join us on the third Tuesday of every month at 8:00 PM

🌐 Visit: www.serenityresourceconnector.com for all ECC forum recaps

💬 Share this blog, start the conversation, and register for PDI 2025: https://pdi.ecc.gov.jm/Registration/

Let's unite with the Early Childhood Commission in amplifying the voices of our children — because they have rights too.

Watch the ECC PDI 2025 trailer below and get registered

Video courtesy of our forum partner, the Early Childhood Commission.