The Education Department staged its annual Early Childhood Education parade on the morning of Friday 31st March, 2023.
A festive array of colourful costumes and banners depicting the various preschools, changed the face of a wide expanse of the Upper Valley streets. Parents, guardians and friends took time off from their jobs and other engagements to accompany the little ones on the usual route. The morning’s atmosphere was accented by catchy children’s music beamed forth from the cars which accompanied each preschool.
It was a time for the preschoolers to feel important and to enjoy the support of their parents and other many adults, while having the use of the streets for themselves.
The parade was one of the activities during the month of March that sought to bring awareness to the importance of Early Childhood Education. It also showcased some of the themes that are explored during the academic year, and many of the young pupils demonstrated creative items that depicted such themes.
Participating preschools included St Mary’s Preschool; the Outreach Preschool; Prophecy Preschool; Bethel Methodist; Ebenezer Methodist; Maranatha Methodist; First Baptist Christian Preschool, James Ronald Webster Early Childhood Development Centre; and Thelma’s Educational Garden.
All the Primary Schools kindergarten sectors except the Vivien Vanterpool also participated.
The parade route started at the Agriculture Department grounds, headed east, turned right at the roundabout, passed the People’s Market and took a left at the bottom of St. Mary’s Street. It turned left at the top of the street, left at the Government Building, moved northward towards Lake’s traffic light. It then turned westward and culminated back at the starting point on the Agricultural Department grounds.
Education Officer Preschool and Primary, Mrs. Susan Smith, said, “It was a beautiful display of colour and showcased a wide range of themes. The children thoroughly enjoyed it. We are grateful to the principals, teachers, parents and guardians for their involvement, and we are grateful for their creativity in designing and making the beautiful costumes.”
Early Childhood month is observed during the month of March annually.
