Childminding services cannot exist without parents. If we want children to thrive in childminding settings, then it makes sense for their parents to get involved. It is with this intention that the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) organized a Sensitization Meeting for Parents whose children are enrolled in Childminding Services on Mahe or who had the intention of accessing this service in the future. The objective was to sensitize the parents on the National Standards for Childminding Services as well as other initiatives of this programme and to also foster positive relationships between the Childminders and parents. The meeting which was held at the Sheik Khalifa Auditorium at the Ministry of Health on Friday 11th May, 2018 had an encouraging turn out.
The meeting was chaired by the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Shirley Choppy. She presented background information on IECD as a legal entity and its mandates vis-à-vis early childhood development including the regulation of childminding services. The programme continued with presentations on the National Standards by different speakers. Parents had the opportunity to ask questions and clarify issues related to childminding services through plenary sessions. The parents were also presented with the results of a pilot study which was conducted in 2017 on the implementation of the National Standards in registered Childminding establishments. Information was also shared about the main study which is planned to commence in August this year. The Institute wishes to thank the parents for responding to its invitation to attend the meeting and for their active participation. Additionally, thanks go to the Childminders for encouraging the participation of parents of the children using their service. The Institute hopes that through such meetings parents will be better informed of the changes that are happening in Childminding services in the country, more importantly that Childminders and parents will work together to support the children’s development.
