The Early Childhood Act states that all basic schools are required to develop and implement disaster, health and sanitation as well as fire safety and emergency plans.

In an effort to address this need, the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), through its capacity-building and fund-raising machinery, secured a grant from the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica.

Delighted chairman

The CVSS last Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Early Childhood Commis-sion (ECC). This was held at the ECC's downtown Kingston offices.

Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughan, chairman of the ECC, said she was delighted at the partnership with CVSS.

"We must make sure that all our teachers are trained in providing proper and safe environments for our children," Samms-Vaughan said.

FUTURE PLANS

In her remarks, Winsome Wilkins, chief executive officer of CVSS, said her organisation was a key stakeholder in nation building. She said there were plans to assist other early-childhood schools in Jamaica. There are more than 2,000 such institutions in Jamaica. Seventy-three per cent are registered with the ECC.

The 75 schools which will benefit from this training had to be registered with the ECC. Principals were also required to have a Level-Two National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training certificate. The operators will receive a Level-Three certificate when the programme is complete.