The Opening Ceremony for Early Childhood Month 2025 was held on Tuesday, 4th March at the Teachers Resource Centre. Officials from the Department of Education (DOE) and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) joined with the Early Childhood Association (ECA), teachers, parents, and Anguilla’s young students to celebrate the start of the month. To highlight this year’s activities, the ECA selected the theme: “Growing Together: Nurturing Curiosity and Creativity in Every Child”.
Mrs. Susan Smith, Education Officer for Primary and Pre-Primary, praised the choice of theme, describing it as timely because “it invites intentional reflection on the experiences we provide for our preschoolers.” She encouraged teachers and parents to reduce screen time and provide an environment where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, experiment, and develop their natural curiosity.
In responding to questions about the importance of the theme, keynote speaker and Curriculum Officer Mrs. Vanessa Hobson, shared insight into what could be described as the role of the three Cs. “Early childhood education is a space,” she said, “where CREATIVITY should be nurtured, CURIOSITY celebrated, and COLLABORATION.” She emphasised that these practices enhance self-expression, analytical thinking, and social awareness, essential skills for problem-solving and decision-making as children progress through their teenage years and into adulthood.
President of the Early Childhood Association, Ms. Aliethea Richardson, pointed out that parents often assume fostering their children’s curiosity and creativity requires expensive or specialised activities, but instead, she encouraged parents and teachers to utilise everyday surroundings as learning opportunities. For example, parents can help young children recognise numbers by checking prices at the supermarket or identify colours by observing flowers at home or passing cars on the road. She also emphasised that a child asking questions should not be immediately seen as ‘rudeness,’ nor should self-expression be mistaken for a child simply having ‘their own way.’
Permanent Secretary for Education, Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, also emphasised the collective responsibility of fostering an environment where every child can thrive. Acknowledging the insights shared by educators like Mrs. Hobson, she stressed the importance of enriching learning experiences that inspire curiosity, resilience, and innovation. Dr. Richardson-Lake further called for continued collaboration among educators, parents, and the wider community to provide children with the best start in life. “By nurturing inquiry and imagination, children can grow into critical thinkers and lifelong learners,” she stated.
Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and members of the Early Childhood Association also took to the stage, showcasing a delightful array of performances. The ceremony concluded with the recognition of retired pre-school teachers, who received certificates for their long years of nurturing Anguilla’s young and developing minds. Retired teachers in attendance included Norma Benette-Maccow, Eunice Gumbs, Bronte Hazell, Lillian Ward, Ettina Richardson, and Rosalyn Pond. Others who were unable to attend included Mrs. Hazel Brooks and Mrs. Louise “Bay” Franklin.
The Opening Ceremony was the second event on a busy Early Childhood Education agenda for the month of March, which began with a church service on March 2nd 2025 at Kingdom Global Outreach Ministries and continues throughout the month with other events including a Kiddies’ Fun Evening (March 12), the annual Early Childhood Education Parade (March 14), Teachers’ Turn-Around Day (March 17), Sports Day (March 21), and Parent Appreciation Day (March 24).
Parents, corporate partners, and the general public are encouraged to support the various activities planned for Early Childhood Education Month.