George Brown College’s School of Early Childhood History of Co-operation with PACE and ECC

The importance of collaboration for the early years exists between The Early Childhood Commission, Shortwood Teachers’ College and George Brown College’s School of Early Childhood

The partnership between George Brown and Jamaica’s Early Childhood Commission has resulted in an improvement in how 94% of Jamaican children under the age of 5 years of age learn and develop. Through knowledge exchanges between faculty at George Brown’s School of Early Childhood and policy makers in Jamaica, the project has enhanced learning in the areas of reading, math and science.

Additional photos are available online.

Highlights of the Project

In the past 14 years, the Jamaica Project has had many successes. Below are just some of the key highlights:

• In 2003, George Brown’s School of Early Childhood was awarded a 5 year project in Jamaica from the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency.  In 2008, the college was awarded a further three year project to continue our work in Jamaica.
• In 2008, George Brown faculty helped develop a key best practices document that was distributed to more than 3,000 early childhood education facilities island-wide and in 2011 a Best Practices DVD was presented at a national gathering to compliment the print document.
• To date, over 183 students have travelled to Jamaica, and 47 students from Jamaica have travelled to Toronto to work in George Brown lab schools
• 12 George Brown faculty members have spoken at conferences in Jamaica, toured schools and met with many community and government leaders in Jamaica
• Students and faculty have raised funds through various initiatives to bring teaching resources and materials to children and teachers in Jamaica.

While this partnership is important, so is our commitment to PACE.  We currently have two representatives sitting on their Board as co-chairs for Children’s Issues and Education. Our role is to facilitate workshops and/or provide information for families that will broaden their knowledge of child development as well as be available to assist in other matters pertaining to children.

In keeping with the Adopt-A-School program, the college has adopted two Basic Schools in Portmore. Marlin Ave. and Waterford Faith Development Basic Schools were adopted as a result of students completing their placements there and the college recognizing the solid teaching that takes place as well as the relationships the practitioners have with families and children. We look forward to our continued partnerships and the support that we can offer to all.