From Ministry of Education

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – The Ministry of Education is now accepting applications from parents of children who qualify for the Early Childhood Assistance Programme (ECAP) which provides early childhood centre funding for young Caymanian children who are between the ages of 3 years and Reception age as of 1 September of the respective school year, and meet certain financial criteria.

“Access to quality early childhood education and care is critical in helping to provide the best foundation for success in later years. That is why in September 2014, the Ministry increased the level of funding to families in need who meet the criteria to assist in covering relevant fees, and also why in September 2015 the Ministry decreased the age of eligibility to 3 years old to enable more children to qualify sooner,” said Honourable Tara Rivers, Minister for Education. “The Government is committed to working toward the goal of helping each child succeed. This financial support to parents and technical support provided to Early Childhood Care and Education Centres help to raise the standards of care and education for our youngest learners.”

Application forms and information can be downloaded from the Ministry of Education’s website at http://www.education.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/mehhome/education/earlyeducation. Application forms may also be collected from the Government Administration Building, Department of Education Services or early childhood centres.

“It is important for parents to note the new 29 April deadline for ECAP applications as the previous deadline was 31 July,” said Carol Bennett, Senior Policy Advisor and Manager, Early Childhood Care and Education. “The reason for this change is so that the Ministry can better serve both parents and the early childhood centres. We urge all parents who are interested in the Early Childhood Assistance Programme to get their applications and supporting documents in as soon as possible to ensure a timely response.”

All completed ECAP application forms must be submitted no later than Friday, 29 April 2016 directly to the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Unit located on the 5th Floor of the Government Administration Building and include the following documentation:

· Copy of the child’s birth certificate
· Copy of the Caymanian parent’s birth certificate
· Proof of status (if parent and/or child is Caymanian by virtue of obtaining Caymanian Status)
· Proof of legal guardianship (must be shown if the child resides with someone other than his/her parent)
· Proof of income
· Copies of bank statements showing earnings (if self-employed)
· A copy of termination letter (if parent applying is unemployed)
· Proof of registration with the National Workforce Development Agency (NWDA) as a Job Seeker Extended, as well as activity with that agency (if the Caymanian parent is unemployed)

For more information about ECAP, contact Turnette Stewart (244.5724) or Renee Barnes (244.5735) or email [email protected].

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