Initiatives

The change that the CCSI seeks to bring about is to persuade parents to adopt a more interactive style of care which leads to improved cognitive and social development among young children growing up in disadvantaged situations.

The ‘centrepiece’ of the CCSI method for getting to this result is the replication of the Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP). This home-visiting concept has been rigorously evaluated in its country of origin (Jamaica) and through the Longitudinal Impact Study being conducted in St. Lucia. The findings of these studies reveal changes in parental knowledge, parent/child interaction and in developmental outcomes for children.

In Phase 1 (2002-2006), we experimented with storytelling and community radio on the premise that these strategies could contribute to increased learning and interaction between parents and children and indeed, a wider public. We also began some initial research, confident that such data can strengthen other ECD initiatives.

In Phase 2 (2007-2011), new initiatives, such as the Regional Family Learning Programme and Early Childhood Health Outreach Programme (ECHO) have been added to ensure that sustainability can be improved by mainstreaming these programmes into existing Government services such as literacy and health agents and building support for interactive parenting.