Thirty-two early childhood practitioners are learning the basics of child development in an Early Childhood Care and Education Unit (ECCE) hosted early-years introduction course.

Designed specifically for individuals working in the industry, it aims to teach practitioners about sociocultural theory and practice, child development milestones, communication and language development, as well as literacy and numeracy learning.

Participants will also learn how to plan activities for infants, toddlers and young children, incorporating aspects of the new Cayman Islands Early Years Curriculum Framework that is being developed by the ECCE and which was recently shared with early childhood centre representatives.

Participants will present these, along with portfolios chronicling their six-week learning journey, during the final week.

“The need for an introductory course was indicated when unit staff gathered information on the professional development needs of early childhood care and education practitioners,” Early Childhood Care and Education Senior Policy Advisor Julie Madgwick explained. “The course is a prerequisite for participants to continue their studies with the unit.”

At the moment, two courses are being offered concurrently — each with 16 participants — from 4:00 p.m-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the George Town Primary School.

Madgwick says another professional development course is scheduled for 15 and 16 November. For details email [email protected]