Toddler reading programme to be launched month-end 

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Unit of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CCPA) is preparing to launch its back-to-basics toddler reading programme, to develop and foster an early interest in books in children.
The reading programme is aimed at encouraging parents to read books with their preschool children, thereby preparing them for formal education, ECD Executive Officer Lavern Thorne explained.
Thorne was quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying that the programme was developed after it was recognised that a large number of children could not read.  She said that reading to your children or simply turning pages and explaining pictures could result in them gaining an interest in reading from an early age.
Thorne explained that while the children may not be able to say the words, by listening to their parents/parent read, they would develop their oral skills, and as a result, the CCPA was resolved in promoting this programme.
ECD Manager Concheeta Gray explained that the programme would be launched at more than 300 health centres and 360 childcare facilities across the country.  The childcare centres will also be required to establish a library or reading corner for the children.
“Zero-three is where the foundation years are laid and once a child has an interest in books at an early age, that child will have an interest in books continuously throughout life, so our licensing and registration officers will be going to health centres and will be pushing this reading programme countrywide,” Gray further clarified.
The programme will be officially launched by the end of January. Persons are encouraged to support the book drive by donating books to the CCPA’s Broad Street office. The DPI said parents could also call the Agency on telephone number 227-4420 to uplift books.