Young children need the opportunity to use their whole body to develop their gross motor skills. An open space allows them to be physically active, challenging themselves to form healthy habits that will stay with them for life. As advocates for physical activity and play, we need to limit our children’s screen time and set an example of a healthy and active lifestyle that includes plenty of play. Kids have access to so much technology today which can truly restrict the amount of time they engage in physical play. Resetting the balance is the first step towards putting our children on a path to good physical health.
As part of her Annual Operating Plan for the year 2018, Ms. Marvel Simeon, initiated the Kiddies Day Out Activity. This activity was launched, on Thursday 28th June 2018, at the Anse Etoile Community Centre by the Institute of Early Childhood Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government. The aim was twofold; to promote Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) related activities at community level and to encourage play and physical activity outside the usual setting.
Children from three Home-based Childminding Establishments, two Day Care Centers, parents and teachers took part in the activity.
A warm welcome, followed by the address of the Anse Etoile District Administrator, Ms. Jenna Dubignon set things in motion. The Parish Priest did not miss the chance to bless the day before Mrs. Shirley Choppy, the Chief Executive Officer of IECD, and Mrs. Betty Mai Sofa, the Principal Policy Analyst from the Department of Local Government, were given the honor to cut the ribbon and officially unveil the much awaited array of toys.
The children were overjoyed to engage in the play activities which were at their disposal, they were free to shout, jump, run, hop, skip and just be kids. Henceforth, the Anse Etoile District Administrator has adopted this initiative to be implemented on Wednesdays at the Anse Etoile Community Centre. Local Childminders with their children are invited to access the toys, which are now based at the Community Centre.
