(1) INTRODUCTION
Esteemed conference delegates
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we gather to explore one of the most vital facets of our future—early childhood care and education (ECCE). As we delve into the intricacies of how we can build robust, nurturing environments for our youngest citizens, I invite you to envision a world where every child, regardless of their background, is provided with the foundation they need to flourish.
Our journey towards this vision is not merely about implementing policies or meeting standards; it’s about creating a transformative impact that resonates through generations. Today, I want to share with you the inspiring story of Seychelles—a beacon of progress in early childhood care and education. From its innovative approaches to regulation and quality standards to its multi-sectoral coordination and community engagement, Seychelles has forged a path that holds valuable lessons for us all.
So let us embark on this exploration with open minds and a shared commitment to making a difference. Together, let’s uncover the strategies and practices that can elevate our childcare systems and, ultimately, ensure that every child receives the best care and education they deserve.
(2) BACKGROUND
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, we gather to explore a critical topic that shapes not only individual lives but the very fabric of our society: Early Childhood Care and Education, or ECCE. Research has shown that high-quality ECCE offers a wealth of benefits, encompassing health, nutrition, education, and essential social and emotional support for children from infancy to age eight. These early years are foundational; they determine not just the well-being of our children but also the future prosperity of our nations.
Yet, we know that when quality ECCE services are lacking, the consequences are profound. Children without access to these vital services face significant risks—poor health, learning challenges, and limited opportunities for employment. This can perpetuate cycles of poverty and social issues, affecting not just individuals but entire communities.
Despite global recognition of the importance of equitable ECCE services, many countries, including our own, continue to grapple with the challenge of providing universal access, particularly for marginalized populations. Insufficient resources, fragmented services, and a lack of understanding often hinder our efforts.
However, in Seychelles, we have turned a corner. A pivotal moment came in 2010, when we pledged to build a holistic ECCE system, including the 0-3, at a UNESCO World Conference, acknowledging our responsibility to create a brighter future for our children. This commitment laid the groundwork for the development of our National Framework for ECCE, which unifies our approach and integrates efforts across sectors.
As part of the Framework’s implementation strategies, I am proud to highlight the establishment and the milestone achievements of the Institute of Early Childhood Development. IECD is a relatively new organization in Government, which serves as our national anchor in this mission. The IECD is not just an institution; it embodies our collective vision to ensure every child in Seychelles has a winning start in life.
The first three years of a child’s life are critical for brain development, as this period sees the most rapid growth and formation of neural connections. During this time, a child’s brain develops up to 80% of its adult size, driven by interactions with their environment, caregivers, and experiences. These early experiences shape cognitive, emotional, and social capacities that influence lifelong learning and behavior.
By investing in quality care, early stimulation and education, and nurturing environments during this critical period is key to supporting optimal brain development and ensure children reach their full potential. Therefore, prioritizing early childhood development is not just a matter of individual development and well-being, but a crucial investment in the future success of society as a whole.
(3) DEVELOPMENT & ORGANISATION OF THE 0-3 CHILDCARE ECOSYSTEM
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, based on this fundamental premise, this brings me to the highpoint of my speech: the development and organization of the 0-3 childcare ecosystem in Seychelles.
Our journey to build a robust childcare system has been both transformative and instructive. Today, I will share with you our experiences, the key lessons we’ve learned, and how the coordinated efforts of various partners have contributed to optimizing the outcomes of our system. Moreover, I will touch on the multi-sectoral coordination challenges we’ve faced and highlight promising practices that other countries may adopt to enhance their own childcare systems.
The National Childminding Study: The Foundation of Evidence-Based Policy
In response to the growing demand for early childcare services, Seychelles witnessed the proliferation of diverse, mostly informal, childminding settings across the main islands. These home-based services were often unregulated, posing a significant challenge to establishing a cohesive and standardized childcare ecosystem. In 2013, the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) undertook the National Childminding Study, a pivotal research effort designed to evaluate the status, conditions, and quality of home-based childminding services.
This research was instrumental in helping us understand the landscape and design policies that were responsive to the specific needs of our communities. By investing in such evidence-based research, we created a platform for policy consultations, leading to the development of regulatory frameworks and standards that now govern our childcare sector.
Legal Frameworks and Quality Standards
Following the findings of the National Childminding Study, we developed and implemented National Standards Regulations for home-based childcare services, with special attention to enhancing the provisions for children aged 0 to 3. These standards, along with the IECD Act of 2014, laid the groundwork for our regulatory framework and to establish accountability.
Political Commitment and Support
One of the most crucial factors behind Seychelles’ success in childcare is strong political commitment. The government has consistently prioritized early childhood development, not only through the creation of policies but also through sustained investments in infrastructure and training programs. This unwavering commitment, through the high-level ECCE policy committee, has facilitated the growth of a well-organized childcare sector that serves as a model for other countries.
Multi-Sectoral Coordination
The multi-sectoral coordination within our system is another cornerstone of its effectiveness. Ministries and stakeholders from across sectors work in tandem to ensure services are integrated, responsive, and cohesive. This approach supports the holistic development of each child by addressing not only their educational needs but also their health and emotional well-being. This collaboration continues to be one of the driving forces behind the success of our childcare system today.
Advocacy in Driving Success and Engagement
Advocacy has been a key factor in the success of IECDs by increasing visibility of activities and events, which has fostered better coordination and buy-in from various sectors. It has ensured that all actors remain informed and engaged in the process. Moreover, as success tends to attract more support, the positive outcomes of advocacy have created a cycle where perceived success encourages further involvement and commitment.
Capacity Building and training for Childcare Service Providers
Seychelles has made significant investments in capacity building for childcare service providers. From pre-registration training to ongoing professional development, we ensure that our childcare workers are equipped with the latest knowledge, skills, and best practices. In 2016, we launched an intensive sensitization training program for prospective childcare providers, ensuring that they understand and adhere to the national standards.
This informal training evolved into a formal qualification – the Certificate in Child Care and Development. Accredited by the Seychelles Qualifications Authority (SQA) and delivered by the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education (SITE), this course is offered in full-time and part-time modalities to accommodate both pre-service and in-service practitioners. Additionally, a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program allows experienced childminders to gain this qualification based on their prior experience.
To date, approximately 40 percent of registered childcare providers have received this qualification, and our goal is to continue raising this percentage. The training not only enhances the quality of care but also instills confidence in parents, knowing that their children are in capable hands.
Ensuring Compliance and Quality through Registration and Inspection
The registration process for childcare providers is thorough and rigorous. It includes multiple steps, from the initial submission of an expression of interest to the final registration approval by IECD. This process ensures that all home-based childcare services meet our national standards before they begin operating. Additionally, registered childcare services undergo bi-annual inspections to assess their compliance with the ten National Standards set forth in the 2016 regulations. These inspections provide an impartial evaluation of the quality of services being offered, and feedback is provided to help service providers continuously improve.
In addition to these, it is worth sharing with some other initiatives and incentives that support the effective delivery of the childcare system, and these include:
- 100% Compliance to National Standards in Home-Based Childcare
- A pilot study in 2021 validated an inspection tool to monitor compliance with national childcare standards. A system of four compliance levels was introduced, with one-third of registered childminders achieving full compliance (100%) to date. Childminders who meet this benchmark receive a Certificate of Recognition for their high standards and commitment.
- Early Years Stimulation and Learning Programme
- Recognizing the rapid brain development in early years, Seychelles launched the Early Learning Programme under its ECCE National Action Plan (2021-2022). Funded by UNESCO under Participation Programme, the project equips childminders with basic knowledge and skills in early stimulation and learning, as well as resources to stimulate early cognitive and social development for children aged 4 months to 4 years. Training and learning materials were provided, and 100% of registered childminders are implementing the programme.
- Sensitization of Parents on Early Stimulation and Learning
- A series of nationwide sessions on Early Stimulation and Learning, targeting parents whose children are not enrolled in childcare, was introduced in 2023. The initiative provides strategies and resources to help parents engage their children in learning activities. Many parents across the three main and inhabited islands on Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue participated.
- Investments and Financial Assistance Programmes
- The government has invested in financial schemes to support both parents and childminders, including a monthly around 55 US dollars’ cash transfer per child to registered childminders, which reduces the cost of childcare for parents.
- To streamline administration, Seychelles introduced the Child Care Benefit Information System Seychelles (CBISS) in 2024 for digitalizing the financial assistance program, replacing the paper-based system. The number of beneficiaries has grown significantly for the past four years.
- National ECCE Trust Fund: Since 2011, the fund has supported up to 25 annual projects, granting o one-off grant of around 800 US dollars per registered childminder for procurement of educational resources, toys, and minor upgrades of facilities.
- Tax Exemptions: Concessionary tax measures for importing educational resources, along with one-off support for safety and hygiene equipment, further ease financial burdens on childminders and families.
These efforts illustrate Seychelles’ commitment to elevating the quality of childcare through compliance, learning initiatives, parental engagement, and targeted financial support
(4) WHAT LESSONS DID SEYCHELLES LEARNED FROM THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING ITS CARE ECONOMY AND CHILDCARE SYSTEM?
Certainly, our experience has taught us several valuable lessons from developing our home-grown childcare system, which I believe can be adapted by other countries seeking to enhance their childcare systems as follows:
- First, research and data-driven policy-making are critical to understanding local challenges and needs, and to inform policy development. It allows us to better identify what interventions are required in order to have the maximum impact for the resources used.
- Second, multi-sectoral collaboration ensures that no aspect of a child’s development is neglected. Seychelles’ success is attributed to the involvement of various ministries and agencies, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive approach.
- Investing in professional development and ensuring ongoing training for childcare providers is essential for maintaining high standards and improving outcomes.
- Importance of Capacity Building and Professional Development is critical. Continuous training and professional development for childcare providers are vital for maintaining high-quality care. Seychelles invested in both formal and informal training programs to enhance the skills of its childcare workforce.
- The need for a Strong Legal and Regulatory Framework to establishclear standards and regulations for ensuring quality and consistency in childcare services.
- The value of Political Commitment. Political will and support are fundamental to the success of childcare initiatives. Seychelles demonstrated strong political support for early childhood care and education, which was crucial for driving progress. Governments should ensure that early childhood care is a priority on their agendas and allocate necessary resources to support it.
- Engaging with and Supporting Parents: Parental involvement is crucial for a child’s development and learning. Seychelles emphasized parent education and support to complement formal childcare services.
- Leveraging Financial Assistance and Incentives. Financial support can significantly impact the accessibility and quality of childcare services. Seychelles implemented various financial assistance programs and incentives to support both providers and families.
- Implementing and Utilizing Technology. Technological solutions can streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency. Seychelles recently introduced digital platforms to manage financial assistance schemes and other childcare-related processes.
An overarching lesson learned from developing our homegrown childcare system in Seychelles is the critical role of advocacy and communication with all partners. This cross-cutting strategy not only fosters active engagement and coordination but also supports and promotes other key lessons of experiences that we have experienced in early childhood care and development.
By ensuring transparent and consistent dialogue, Seychelles has demonstrated a model that other countries can valuable insights and strategies to adopt and enhance collaboration and drive comprehensive success in their own childcare systems.
(5) ROLE OF ACTORS IN A WELL-COORDINATED SYSTEM AND OPTIMIZATION STRATEGIES FOR BETTER OUTCOMES
The roles of actors in our well-coordinated system are:
1. Government
- Establishes and implements policies, regulations, and standards for childcare services.
- Provides financial support through subsidies and grants.
- Ensures childcare facilities meet national standards and supports both parents and providers.
2. Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD)
- Coordinates ECCE provisions, conducts research, and develops training programs for childcare professionals.
- Oversees monitoring, evaluation, and accessibility of programs.
3. Childcare Service Providers
- Deliver high-quality care and adhere to national standards.
- Engage with parents on child development and well-being.
4. Parents and Families
- Actively participate in their child’s learning and well-being.
- Enroll children in registered settings and engage in structured programs.
5. Early Childhood Educators
- Deliver care and education tailored to children’s needs.
- Assess progress and provide feedback.
6. Relevant Partners in ECCE Sectors
- Collaborate with government and providers to address gaps and improve services.
- Leverage community resources to enhance childcare services.
Optimization Strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the childcare sector are:
- Create policies to support work-family balance and collaborate with childcare providers and government programmes to improve accessibility.
- Offer workplace benefits related to childcare, invest in staff development, continuous training and advocate for supportive policies.
- Provide parenting education, financial assistance, and clear information.
- Improve the effectiveness of childcare services through structured, coordination and collaborative approaches.
(5) ADDRESSING MULTI-SECTORAL COORDINATION CHALLENGES
Effective coordination across sectors is crucial for a well-functioning childcare system. Seychelles provides a noteworthy example of how multi-sectoral collaboration can lead to an organized and regulated childcare sector.
Here’s how Seychelles has addressed cross-sectoral coordination challenges and fostered collaboration:
- Steadfast Political Support and Commitment: Seychelles has a unified vision for early childhood care and education: “All Seychellois children enjoy quality early childhood care and education.” This commitment drives the country’s policies and reforms, ensuring a focus on high-quality, accessible childcare for all.
- Single-Level Government Coordination: By operating under a single-level government arrangement, Seychelles has streamlined its multi-sectoral coordination efforts. This approach reduces bureaucratic complexity, minimizes inconsistencies in service quality, and prevents misalignment of priorities.
- Role of IECD: The Institute for Early Childhood Development (IECD) acts as the central regulatory body for childcare in Seychelles. It coordinates efforts across sectors, ensuring effective governance, oversight, and accountability. The IECD’s role includes implementing programs and initiatives that support and regulate the childcare sector.
- Policy and Legislative Frameworks: Comprehensive policies and regulations for childcare were developed collaboratively with all relevant parties. Clear guidelines delineate the roles of various partners, promoting harmony and coherence in childcare practices and ensuring a robust legal and policy framework.
- Inter-Sectoral Committees and Stakeholder Engagement: Specialized committees and working groups address technical matters related to childcare, such as national standards and service inspections. These committees include representatives from government ministries, agencies, and the private sector. They facilitate inclusive decision-making, collaborative planning, and effective problem-solving.
- Research and Data Sharing: Collaborative research and data-sharing initiatives help capture relevant information about childcare services, needs, and outcomes. These efforts inform evidence-based policy decisions, allowing for targeted allocation of resources and support.
- Training and Capacity Building: Continuous professional development for childcare providers is a cornerstone of Seychelles’ strategy to address coordination challenges. Training sessions, supported by key partners, improves the service providers’ competencies, ensuring they meet national standards and deliver high-quality care.
Despite its successes, Seychelles has faced challenges in cross-sectoral coordination. By fostering collaboration, clear communication, and evidence-based adjustments, we have navigated the complexities of cross-sectoral coordination, ultimately improving childcare services and outcomes. This collective approach has guided the IECD in refining its strategies and enhancing the effectiveness of the childcare system.
(6) PROMISING PRACTICES FROM SEYCHELLES CAN OTHER COUNTRIES ADOPT TO ENHANCE THEIR CHILDCARE SYSTEMS
Based on the insights from Seychelles, here are some promising practices that other countries could adopt to enhance their childcare systems:
- Evidence-Based Policy Making: Seychelles conducted a comprehensive National Childminding Study to assess and improve childcare services. Countries should invest in data collection and research to inform policy decisions, ensuring that childcare policies are tailored to specific community needs.
- Robust Legal and Regulatory Framework: The development of national standards and regulations, guided by the IECD Act and National Standards Regulations. Establish clear legal frameworks and regulations that set high standards for childcare services, and regularly review to reflect new research and best practices for countries to adopt.
- Multi-Sectoral Coordination: Seychelles employs a collaborative approach involving multiple government ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders. How can countries adopt this practice? Literally by fostering collaboration between various sectors—education, health, social welfare, and community services—to create a cohesive and integrated childcare system. Also establish inter-sectoral committees and working groups to address common goals and challenges.
- Political and Technical Commitment and Support: Strong political support and technical prowess for early childhood education and care, including financial investments and policy prioritization. It can be adopted by ensuring that early childhood care and education are prioritized on national agendas and led by technocrats with expertise and experience in the field. Also, advocate for sustained investments and resources to support superior childcare systems.
- Capacity Building and Professional Development: Extensive training programs for childcare providers, including formal qualifications and continuous professional development. To adopt it, countries should implement robust training and professional development programs for childcare providers. Provide certification and recognition to enhance the skills and knowledge of caregivers and educators, and hence elevate the status of childcare.
- Financial Assistance and Subsidies: Seychelles provides financial support to parents and childcare providers, such as subsidies and grants. Develop financial assistance programs to support both parents and childcare providers as research has demonstrated that the return on investment is huge. Consider subsidizing costs for childcare services and offering grants for facility improvements and resource acquisition are a few ideas that countries can do to adopt and adapt such practices.
- Innovative Tools and Recognition Systems: Introduction of a new inspection tool and a recognition system for full compliance with national standards. Countries can utilize innovative tools and technologies to monitor and assess childcare quality. Implement recognition systems to reward providers who achieve high standards, encouraging excellence in service delivery.
- Parental Engagement and Education: We have implemented a new initiative to sensitise parents to enhance their knowledge of early learning and stimulation. Perhaps to adopt this one, countries should engage parents through education programs that provide strategies and resources to support their child’s development. Foster active involvement of families in the childcare process.
- Digital Solutions for Efficiency: Implementation of the Child Care Benefit Information System Seychelles (CBISS) for managing financial assistance programs. Clearly, adoption of digital solutions will help to streamline administrative processes, improve efficiency, and enhance accessibility to financial support and other services.
- Community Involvement and Collaboration: Engaging community resources and networks to support and enhance childcare services is something which we started work on a few years ago. Resources are playgroup, green and open space, building new childcare centres etc. Countries can build partnerships with community organizations and local stakeholders to support and extend childcare services. Leverage community resources to address gaps and improve service delivery.
Adopting these practices, countries improve service delivery and quality, and better support the developmental needs of young children. We, at the Institute are ready to give a helping hand and provide countries with supportive assistance to strengthen the childcare sector.
(7) CONCLUSION
As we reflect on the remarkable strides made by Seychelles in advancing ECCE and developing its 0-3 childcare eco-system, we are reminded of the boundless potential that lies in our collective efforts. Seychelles’ journey—from pioneering regulatory frameworks, evidence-based strategies to make informed decisions, and investments and financial support and capacity building to fostering multi-sectoral collaboration—may provide you with a roadmap for transforming your very own childcare systems.
But beyond the strategies and frameworks, what truly stands out is the shared and unwavering commitment to nurturing every child’s potential but also strengthens women empowerment, family and country economic stability. Our commitment to ECCE is not just a commitment to children—it is a commitment to our collective future. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we prioritize and invest in early childhood development and work together with a shared vision.
This reminds me of the Ripple Effect: The impact of the Seychelles model extends beyond the classroom. Children who thrive in their early years are more likely to succeed in school, develop healthier relationships, and contribute positively to society. We have witnessed first-hand the ripple effect: educated children become engaged citizens, and engaged citizens cultivate thriving communities.
As we move forward, let us reflect on this, carry forward the lesson learned drawn from our success stories and experiences. Let us champion policies that are inclusive and embrace multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration. With unity, inspiration, hard work and action, let us make the incredible potential of every child a reality!
I take this moment to extend our heartfelt thanks for the invitation to this important conference and for giving us the opportunity to share our experiences in ECCE. As a UNESCO Category 2 Institute for Early Childhood Care and Education, we offer our technical services and support to you all in your endeavor to build a holistic and resilient childcare and ECCE eco-system, and a more equitable future for all our children on the African continent.
Thank you—and may our collective efforts inspire a symphony of creativity in the hearts of future generations!
Thank you for your attention, your continued and shared passion in making a real difference in the early years.
