CASTRIES, St Lucia – In fulfilment of commitments aimed at strengthening early childhood education in Saint Lucia, per the budget 2025 policy statement, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, on Thursday, delivered financial support to registered private preschools and parents.

“This year, the government will continue progress as outlined in the Education Sector Plan to expand access to Early Childhood Education and Development. This year, we will increase the subvention to non- government preschools to XDC 3000.

“We will also provide a subsidy of XCD 100 per term to assist in the payment of tuition fees for children at early learning centres, providing a $3,000 grant to every registered private preschool and paying a $100 per-term tuition subsidy on behalf of parents with children registered at privately owned preschools across the island.” ~ Budget 2025.

Office of the Prime Minister said:

“On Thursday, October 24, preschool administrators from 106 institutions gathered at Château Heritage in Dennery to receive the cheques, marking another concrete step in the government's long-term plan to achieve universal early childhood education.”

The increase in grant funding from XCD 2,500 to 3,000 is expected to facilitate preschools to upgrade classrooms, teaching materials, and learning environments.

The $100 tuition subsidy provides direct financial relief to 3,635 families, ensuring that every child has access to a strong start, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

“ Prime Minister Pierre praised the dedication of preschool administrators and teachers who continue to nurture and shape the nation's youngest minds. He also recognised the daily struggles of parents striving to provide their children with a quality education, noting that this investment represents practical support for both families and educators.

“Minister for Education, sustainable development, innovation, science, technology and vocational training, Shawn Edward, emphasised that the grants and tuition subsidies are part of the government's broader effort to improve equity and quality in early learning, ensuring that no child is left behind because of financial constraints.”

The budgetary annual allocation for these initiatives denotes“XCD 681,500 investment” per OPM reports,“in the nation's youngest learners.”

The government's philosophy in early education, OPM says,“is not a privilege but a right.”

Last week, Prime Minister Pierre reiterated:

“ It has always been a labour administration that has expanded equal access to education for the children of Saint Lucia. From achieving Universal Primary and Secondary Education to investing in improved learning environments, labour governments have consistently ensured that no child is left behind. And it will once again be a Labour administration that delivers Universal Early Childhood Education, continuing our proud legacy of opening doors of opportunity for every child, in every community, across our nation. ”

Prime Minister Pierre's education plan outlined six priority areas in the 2025/2026 budget:

(1) Expansion of access at all levels, early childhood education and development, special education, post-secondary skills for lifelong learning, and tertiary education programmes.

(2) Democratisation of education and training: promoting gender equity and increasing accessibility and affordability for all learners.

(3) Improved student achievement and teacher effectiveness at all levels: effective curriculum delivery, enhancement of STEM, STEAM and TVET.

(4) To build workforce capacity to meet local and global demands: to transform curriculum to support innovation, entrepreneurship, youth economic empowerment, and the seamless transition of students into the world of work.

(5) To develop leadership, management, and governance and to create an agile and responsive education system.

(6) To foster social development and positive behaviour: civic responsibility, citizenship, social skills, social justice, values, and conflict resolution.

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