Early Childhood Education

Usually, children are accepted at age three, and are pre-schooled for two years, whereupon they graduate to the primary level. Pre-school education is only one of three levels of childcare service offered in the Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis. Each service is carried out in a different type of facility/centre specifically designed for that purpose.

Types of Centres

Nursery Centres – These cater to children birth -3 years of age

• Pre-school Centres – These cater to children 3-5 years of age
• Daycare Centres – These consist of a nursery and a pre-school component. They therefore cater to children birth -5 years of age.

Common Features of Early Childhood Centres

They can be home-based, a rented or privately owned building or a Government institution

• Each is headed by a Supervisor, but other staff members include Teaching Staff, Teachers’ Aide, Nursery Assistants, Cooks, Cleaners, Washers and sometimes a Groundsman and a crossing guard.
• Children enter the centres between 7.00 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. and are picked up by parents and guardians between 4.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.
• Parents and Guardians of Government centres are charged a weekly nominal fee of $15.00 (E.C) per child. The weekly fee for most private centres ranges from $25.00 to $45.00 (E.C) per child.

Mrs. Vanta Walters is the National Co-ordinator for Early Childhood Education Unit