The Duchess of Cambridge places Early Childhood on international stage during Jubilee Tour

The Duchess of Cambridge has again placed the work of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood on the international stage by shining a spotlight on Jamaica’s work in early years during the Platinum Jubilee Tour.

On their second day in Jamaica, The Duke and Duchess visited Shortwood Teacher’s College in Jamaica to meet students who are training to become early childhood education practitioners. 

The college is an exemplar in its field – training students to become early childhood education practitioners, conducting research in early childhood education and care, while also offering professional development programmes to the early childhood sector. 

The Duke and Duchess spent time with students, staff, parents and children, hearing about the work of the College and the significance that Jamaica places on early childhood development.

During the visit The Duchess gave a speech celebrating the College’s foresight on establishing an Early Childhood Education programme and recognising that the early years is fundamental to a child’s journey through life. 

Referencing the important work of childcare professionals and teachers, Her Royal Highness said that not only are they supporting children in this crucial developmental phase, but also nurturing the people they will become, the families they will build and the communities they will be part of. 

Her Royal Highness said: “By realising the extraordinary impact of early childhood and by learning more about how children grow, think and behave, I truly do believe we are on the cusp of one of the biggest opportunities for positive change in generations.”

This is an issue that is incredibly close to The Duchess’ heart and will be the second time in 2022 that Her Royal Highness has taken the work of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood on to the international stage, after her trip to Denmark last month.