The early years are known to be a critical period in human development as it is well established that the brain is more receptive to learning during these formative years. We also acknowledge that Children learn best through play; hence Childminders today are being encouraged to conduct early learning play activities as part of their daily routines. Such activities are important for children’s cognitive, emotional, social and physical development.
A small scale action research project entitled “Initiation of Early Learning activities in Childminding establishments”, is aimed to empower three registered Childminders to implement age-appropriate and stimulating early educational activities. Mrs. Stephanie Payet, a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in the Regulatory Affairs Section, is the coordinating this project.
Through the technical assistance of an external consultant, all Monitoring and Evaluation Officers were sensitized on the fundamentals of Early Learning and Development of young children, to enhance their knowledge and skills so as to provide effective support to Childminders.
Early Learning Session with external consultant, Mrs Joseph
The Implementation Plan of the Action Research Project comprises of the following aspects:
- Facilitate sessions for Childminders to sensitize them on the importance of educational development and early learning activities, and strategies to implement such activities in their establishments.
- Undertake demonstration of Early Learning activities using appropriate materials and resources by the ME Officer at the designated childminding establishments.
- Conduct trial implementation and practice of the assigned early learning and educational activities by the childminders.
- Conduct visitsto establishments to observe and support childminders whilst implementing early learning activities with the children.
- Prepare the project’s evaluation report, write individual Childminder case studies and publish articles on the Action Research Project.
Training Session with the chosen Childminders
The childminders earmarked for this project are:
- Mrs. Josette Hoareau from Bel Ombre. She will be focusing activities involving the development of children’s gross motor.
- Ms. Maureen Esther from Les Mamelles, who will be attending to fine motor and accompanying manipulative activities.
- Ms. Christiana Anette from Bel-Air. This Childminder will demonstrate the steps to effectively tell a story to young children. She will be using a classic children’s story.
Implentation at Mrs Hoareau’s establishment
The Childminders will be given ample time to put into practice what they have learnt, guided and supported by the Project Officer.
The Project started in May 2017 with training sessions for the selected childminders and will conclude in December 2017 with the final evaluation and dissemination of the results to concerned parties.
