Gov’t to launch day and night care services as safe space for children created

A new ‘day and night’ care programme to create a safe place for the nation’s children, and avenues for women to be gainfully employed will soon be launched by the government.

It was revealed that this is an initiative that was conceptualised by Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud who said that the programme will assist women in the workforce to have a trusted facility for child care.

Dr. Persaud stressed thsat this is part of the PPP/C’s manifesto (2020-2025) under “Empowering women and taking care of children and vulnerable groups” where it commits to ‘encourage and assist in the establishment of daycare centres for working women in the social sector.

“Night care is a newer concept because I understand the dilemma of many women who work, and they have nowhere to leave their children. So, we want to make sure that the spaces, whether day or night, are safe and that the persons who are offering these services are trained,” she explained.

The minister made the announcement on Monday at a community outreach held at Marks Supermarket, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara.

Minister Persaud said that the programme is currently in its embryonic stage and is being rolled out through a collaborative effort of the ministry’s Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) training programme, and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA).

Dr. Persaud revealed that women participating in the WIIN child care course will undergo comprehensive training that caters to all the needs of the child.

As such, the minister relayed that a newer concept of child care training will be implemented in early childhood development, and care for special needs children.

The minister pointed out that CCPA’s role in the programme is geared to have trained and licenced child care providers registered with the agency. This, she said will satisfy the standards required by the agency. She noted that by having this done, the ministry will be able to provide a list of approved ‘day and night’ care providers.

Additionally, Dr. Persaud stressed that persons interested in establishing care centres will be supported by the ministry with small financial provisions to ensure the facility is running efficiently.

As such, persons interested in being a part of this programme can engage CCPA’s Assistant Director, Tionna October, who will provide assistance on the application process.