The National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET) signed an agreement with Parenting Partners Caribbean (PPC) and the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) on March 5.

The memorandum of understanding recognises the need for the training and development of a competent and certified regional workforce prepared to serve as parenting facilitators across the region. This in a bid to tackle the attendant ills that often result from the lack of effective parenting skills.

Dr Rebecca Tortello, advisor to the minister of education on early childhood and parenting, in her endorsement reiterated the important need for parenting facilitators to be trained and certified to create and sustain quality programmes for parents and guardians. This approach, she said, would contribute effectively to national and regional development.

Set the stage

The document was signed by Paulette Dunn-Smith, senior director of NCTVET; Dr Marigold Thorburn of PPC, and Dr Maureen Samms-Vaughn, executive chairperson of the ECC.

The agreement is expected to set the stage for the establishment, standardisation and maintenance of quality-focused services provided by professionals within the region's parenting education sector. The project is being sponsored by UNICEF.