How to Establish an ECI

Establishing an Early Childhood Institution

What is an ECI

An early childhood institution (ECI) is any place that cares for four or more children under the age of six years, for up to six hours per day. This includes: nurseries, centres or homes which offer day care, basic schools, kindergartens, preschools, and infant schools and infant departments.

The majority of Jamaican children spend many hours of their early years with caregivers and teachers in one of the above mentioned ECIs, and one way in which our children can be provided with a good start in life is to ensure that all ECIs are efficiently run and provide services that promote children’s development.

Your ECI will therefore ensure that children have access to quality early childhood development programmes so that they can become healthy, well-balanced adults and self-sufficient citizens.

Where do I begin

The first and most important thing is making sure that this is really the line of work you want. Working with children is very rewarding, but it can also be very challenging and demanding at times.

What's Next ? ... Location

Next, you need to be sure you have a location that will be appropriate for use as an ECI.

You need to:

Seek the Parish Council’s approval for the location you have selected.
Contact your local parish council board for further details on building and zoning requirements as stated in The Parish Councils Building Act.
Have the premises inspected by the following agencies:
- Jamaica Fire Brigade
- Public Health Department

Inspections by the above agencies will highlight areas for improvement, enabling changes to create a safe and healthy environment for children, staff and visitors.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

1. Why do I need to register my institution?

According to the Early Childhood Act (2005), all persons operating an ECI must register with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC).

2. What is the cost of registration?

The cost of registration is $1, 500.00 and can be paid at any National Commercial Bank (NCB). Vouchers for payment are available at the following locations:

Early Childhood Commission
ECC’s Resource Centres

3. What other documents do I need to register?

The following documents should accompany your completed application form:

Proof of payment of registration fee
Two passport-sized photographs of the applicant
A reference from any two of the following.
- A Justice of the Peace
- A Minister of Religion
- An Attorney-at-law
- The Principal or the Chairman of the Board of Management of an educational institution
- A former employer of the applicant
- A Resident Magistrate or a Judge of the Supreme Court
- A police officer above the rank of Inspector

A report from the Jamaica Fire Brigade stating that your institution has been inspected and meets the requisite fire standards.
A report from the Public Health Department stating that your institution has been inspected and is in compliance with the provisions of the Public Health Act.
A copy of the following must be supplied for the applicant and employees:
- Certification of good health from a registered medical practitioner
- A food handler’s permit
- A police record
- Copy of qualification certificate(s)/proof of training
- Verification of training in the following areas: Paediatric First Aid; the use of Universal Precautions against blood borne illnesses; recognising signs of child abuse; Referral Mechanism and Reporting Requirements under the Public Health Act and Child Care and Protection Act
The name and job description of each employee and a copy of the terms of employment
Details of the premises or proposed premises:
- A floor plan of each building
- A description of the structure
- A list of furniture and equipment
- Any other details as may be prescribed
- Fees to be charged and proposed sources of funding.

4. What is the process for registration?

You can download a copy of the brochure outlining the registration process here.

5. How often do I apply for Registration?

You apply for registration every five (5) years.

Should I report changes made to to my institution ?

Ensure that the ECC is notified of all changes made to your institution.

There are certain changes that by law the Commission should be notified of immediately. These include:

Changes to enrollment
Change in the type of institution
Significant changes to the physical environment
Changes to the number of employees (requires submission of documents F and G)
Relocation of an ECI (requires submission of documents A, D, E and H)
Change in principal/operator (requires submission of documents B, C, F and G) along with a completed application form.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE REGISTRATION PACKAGE

Visit, call or email the ECC Regulation and Monitoring Department for further information on the registration process. Our office is open Monday to Thursday 8:30a.m. – 5:00p.m.; and Fridays 8:30a.m. – 4:00p.m.
Early Childhood Commission
7 – 9 Harbour Street, Kingston, Jamaica W.I.
Tel: (876) 922-9296-7
Fax: (876) 922-9295
customerservice@ecc.gov.jm

Welcome to the Early Childhood Commission

Working Hours

Welcome to the Early Childhood Commission

Working Hours

Establishing an Early Childhood Institution