Universal free pre-primary education for eligible three and four-year-olds will begin from September, as education officials expand access to structured early childhood learning across Barbados while urging parents to play an active role in preparing children for the transition.
Speaking during the Pre-Primary Expansion Parent Engagement Session at George Lamming Primary School, Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles said the initiative was designed to ensure young children benefit from purposeful learning experiences before entering primary school.
“We are excited about the possibilities and we are making progress as we prepare to have more spaces available for our three and four-year-olds,” she said.
“This is not about daycare. This is about having your children learn in a structured environment, having them learn with a curriculum… So while they are playing and doing what comes naturally to them, they are going to be making a lot of progress.”
Beckles invited parents to contribute to the process ahead of the September launch.
“So please feel free to speak frankly. We invite your comments… and we look forward to welcoming you in September 2026 when we roll out our pre-primary expansion.”
Education Officer Jenise Clarke said the initiative forms part of the Every Child Barbados transformation agenda.
Jenise Clarke Education Officer in the Ministry of Education Transformation
“Every child Barbados deserves a strong start,” she said. “Every child in Barbados, regardless of community, income level, background, or circumstance, deserves access to quality early childhood education.”
Beginning in September, she said, “universal free pre-primary education will be available for eligible three and four-year-olds across Barbados.”
Parents attending the session were also given practical advice on preparing children for school.
Education officer Shioma Francis-Porte encouraged families to establish positive daily routines, including regular bedtimes and quiet time for reading and conversation.
Shioma Francis-Porte Education Officer in the Ministry of Education Transformation. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
“Consistent routines help children develop independence, self-regulation, and readiness for learning,” she said.
Reminding parents of their influence, she added: “You are their first teachers, not us.”
Francis-Porte urged parents to strengthen children’s communication skills by talking with them throughout daily activities, reading stories, singing nursery rhymes and introducing local cultural songs. She also encouraged families to teach children to share, express emotions, use kind words and develop empathy.
“Play is one of the most effective ways young children can learn,” she said, encouraging parents to support imaginative play, drawing, singing, outdoor exploration and to limit excessive screen time.
Education officer Dwane Goddard advised parents to promote healthy lifestyles through balanced meals, water consumption, regular physical activity and up-to-date health checks.
Dwane Goddard Education Officer in the Ministry of Education Transformation. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
“Good nutrition, exercise and healthcare supports children’s overall well-being,” he said.
He also encouraged positive discipline, open communication and monitoring children’s online activity.
“Children learn best when they feel safe, loved and supported,” he said.
Goddard stressed the importance of parents building relationships with schools.
“Your involvement makes a significant difference in your child’s success. Learning begins at home and continues at school.”
He further encouraged families to celebrate Barbadian culture and identity and teach children respect for diversity.
“Parents are the children’s first and most important teachers. Together, we can nurture confident, caring, creative, and capable learners for the future of Barbados.”
Parents were also advised on school readiness. Education officers Tanya Byone and Natasha Reeves recommended helping children develop self-help skills such as washing their hands, indicating when they need to use the bathroom and managing clothing fasteners independently. Families were encouraged to expose children to counting activities, colours, puzzles, stories and group interactions to strengthen communication, cognitive and social skills before entering the classroom.
Tanya Byone Education Officer in the Ministry of Education Transformation. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
Children enrolling in the programme must be three or four years old by September 1. Parents should have birth certificates, proof of address, immunisation records, passport-size photographs and any applicable immigration documentation ready, while monitoring the ministry for further updates.
Natasha Reeves Education Officer in the Ministry of Education. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
(BT)
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