Al-Ihsaan Institute is encouraging people working in Trinidad and Tobago’s early childhood sector to formalise their qualifications through its Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) training and workforce assessment pathways.
In a news release, the institute said it currently offers ECCE training at Levels 1 and 2 for people entering the sector as well as practitioners seeking to strengthen their professional skills and advance their careers.
The programmes cater to daycare assistants, preschool assistants, childcare workers, school leavers and others interested in early childhood development.
The release said ECCE Level 1 provides people entering the field with foundational knowledge and practical competencies needed to work effectively with young children.
Applicants can begin with three CSEC subjects and work towards a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) pathway, the institute said.
ECCE Level 2 allows practitioners to build on their existing knowledge and further develop their competencies in children’s learning, development and care.
The institute is also highlighting its Workforce Assessment pathway for experienced early childhood practitioners who have developed their skills through years of work but do not have formal certification.
The release said eligible practitioners may have their existing competencies assessed and work towards a recognised qualification instead of starting their training from the beginning.
Al-Ihsaan said the pathway could be particularly useful for daycare owners and operators seeking to strengthen their staff’s qualifications.
The institute said the training and assessment options could assist facilities that are onboarding new employees, upskilling existing staff or seeking to formally recognise the experience of long-serving practitioners.
According to the release, Al-Ihsaan Institute is an approved National Training Agency provider and an approved Workforce Assessment Centre for TTNVQ/CVQ assessments.
The institute said its ECCE pathways are intended to contribute to a more professionally equipped early childhood workforce.
Individuals, daycare owners and early childhood facilities are being invited to contact the institute for a consultation to determine which training or assessment pathway best matches their qualifications, experience and career goals.
