The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) was established by the Early Childhood Commission Act (2003), in keeping with the strategic goal of the Government of Jamaica to improve the quality of early childhood care, education and development within the early childhood sector.
The ECC, which is an agency of the Ministry of Education, coordinates all activities, development plans and programmes within the early childhood sector. This integrated approach is critical, as it serves to reduce fragmentation and duplication and has placed under one institutional umbrella, the regulations, standards and policies which govern the sector.
The operations of the ECC are primarily undertaken by three departments – Regulation and Monitoring, Sector Support Services and Cross Sectoral Coordination, which seek to ensure the effective implementation of policies and programmes within the early childhood sector.
The Regulation and Monitoring department has responsibility for the registration of early childhood institutions (ECIs), and monitors their operations, to ensure compliance with the regulations and standards governing the sector. The Sector Support Services department provides developmental support to ECIs and early childhood practitioners (ECPs). The Cross Sectoral Coordination department collaborates with Government ministries and sector partners to coordinate early childhood development programmes, as well as to provide support for community intervention initiatives.
The ECC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, other stakeholders and partners, has developed two National Strategic Plans; (NSP) 2008-2013 and (NSP) 2013-2018 which outline the guidelines for ensuring that children at the early childhood level are provided with the requisite support, in order for them to realize their full potential.
We, Jamaica’s parents and caregivers, pledge to think and act in the best interest of our nation’s foundation. We know that young children, especially below the age of nine, need our consistent love, support and protection to ensure their full development. Therefore
We pledge to listen to the dreams and concerns of our children, for unless we know of these, we cannot help with them.
We pledge to supervise our children and protect them from being killed or hurt by fires, accident or violence in and outside our homes, schools and communities.
We pledge to set aside regular times to play and laugh with our children, for it is through play that our children can learn sharing, rules, patience, and their social skills.
We pledge to promote self-discipline in children by setting good examples in resolving conflicts, modeling respect and good manners, and nurturing moral and spiritual values.
We pledge to avoid harsh words and unfair punishment of our children, and to apologize when we make mistakes and hurt their feelings.
We pledge to support our children’s learning and achievements by ensuring that they have good health and nutrition, as well as clean, safe and stimulating environments.
We pledge to support our children’s education not only with our money but with interest in their homework, school life and friends.
Under all conditions, we pledge to keep our promises to our children as mothers, fathers and guardians, for they are entitled to the best of us.
This pledge was developed for the Early Childhood Commission of Jamaica, with the substantive help of the following students from St. Peter Claver Primary School: Chevelle Allen, Nigel Brady, Renee Ellison, Imani Hepburn, Trichana Hines, Yaneekie Miller, Diajah Pendley, Cynara Reece, Michael Small, Kimberly Thomlinson, and Andean Waddell.
The team at the Early Childhood Commission is a dedicated group of professionals committed to advancing a unified system of high-quality early childhood development across Jamaica. Guided by our vision of “All children having access to high quality early childhood development services enabling the realization of their full potential,” we work collaboratively to ensure that every child from birth to eight years benefits from equitable, safe, and nurturing environments. Our multidisciplinary team integrates policy development, regulatory oversight, monitoring, and technical support to strengthen early childhood institutions and practitioners nationwide.
Executive Director
Senior Director, Regulation and Monitoring
Senior Director, Early Childhood Development Services
Senior Director, Cross Sectorial Coordination
Senior Director, Corporate Services
Cheif Internal Auditor
Corporate Secretary
Corporate Planner
Executive Assistant
Data Protection Officer
Director, Human Resources Development and Administration
Director, Public Procurement
Director, Finance
Manager, ECD Training & Developement
Manager, Information Technology
Manager, ECD Assessment Services
Manager, Community Relations
Manager, Communications & Public Relations
Research Manager
Office Manager
Jamaica School Readiness Coordinator
Manager, Payroll & Payables
Manager, Institutional Services
Manager, Financial Reporting
Monday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
© 2026 Early Childhood Commission
