The notion that early childhood practitioners are ‘less than’ other educators was firmly challenged at the 2025 Early Childhood Development Conference, held under the theme ‘Elevating Early Childhood Development, Strengthening Standards, Enhancing Service and Building Partnership.’
The conference has brought together over 300 early childhood practitioners to share ideas and strengthen systems for practitioners who work with children from birth to age eight, a time described as critical for brain development.
The conference was organised by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security with the support of UNICEF and the Government of Canada.
“We, who serve in early childhood institutions, are more than just caregivers, we are not even teachers, we are more than just teachers…” Dr. Michelle Semple-McBean, the featured speaker at the conference, said.
Dr. Semple-McBean is an Early Childhood Development specialist and a lecturer at the University of Guyana.
The 2025 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference (Photo: UNICEF Guyana and Suriname)
Dr. Semple-McBean, during her remarks, said early childhood development practitioners have impacted and continue to touch the lives of children and families in Guyana. However, Early Childhood Development practitioners are often faced with comments that they are not teachers but ‘babysitters’.
On Monday, the conference was held to empower these practitioners and lend support to challenges they may face.
“Many cannot be who we are, many cannot do what we do, and many cannot touch the life of a child,” Dr. Semple-McBean stated to loud applause from practitioners gathered at the conference from across Guyana.
The conference further addressed a range of critical issues including child protection, nutrition, play-based learning, fire prevention, early screening, and health assessments of Early Childhood Development environments.
The 2025 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference (Photo: UNICEF Guyana and Suriname)
UNICEF Guyana Representative, Fiona Persaud, also announced several key initiatives such as finalisation of a Multi-Sectoral ECD Policy, the development of parent and caregiver manuals, and the donation of play-based ECD resources to childcare facilities across Guyana.
Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, during her remarks, stated that the conference was born out of a pressing need to address the real challenges faced by early childhood caregivers.
“This conference has been born out of a burning need and also a heartfelt desire of mine to engage you, bringing you together in an environment where you can share your ideas, develop solutions to challenges and limitations you may face every day,” Minister Persaud said.
She revealed that over 1,000 Early Childhood Development practitioners have been trained nationwide. Through the WIIN programme, 50 individuals were supported to open their daycare facilities.
Minister Persaud further noted that of the 360 daycares in Guyana, 350 are licensed, each focused on ensuring the safety and security of children.
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