WORKING parents on the East Bank of Demerara now have access to free, high-quality childcare and early childhood development services following the opening of a new Day, Night and Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre at Little Diamond.
The facility, which was recently commissioned as part of the government’s expanding childcare and family support programme, was visited on Wednesday by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, who engaged staff and stakeholders as authorities continue efforts to increase access to quality childcare services across the country.
According to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the state-of-the-art facility offers free day and night childcare services and early childhood development programmes, providing much-needed support to working families and parents pursuing educational opportunities.
Strategically located within the Young Professionals Housing Scheme at Little Diamond and adjacent to the site earmarked for a new primary school, the centre is designed to serve as a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for infants, toddlers and young children.
The facility can accommodate up to 50 children and is equipped to support early learning and childhood development while offering parents peace of mind as they work, study or attend to other responsibilities.
The opening of the centre forms part of the government’s broader commitment to strengthening childcare infrastructure and expanding family support services nationwide. At the beginning of 2026, the government announced plans to intensify investments in early childhood and family development programmes as part of efforts to improve social services and promote greater economic participation.
Officials have said that the development of Day, Night and ECD Centres is a key component of the government’s social support framework, aimed at reducing childcare challenges faced by working families while fostering healthy childhood development and enabling greater workforce participation, particularly among women.
The Little Diamond facility was constructed through funding from the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and represents a collaborative effort involving several agencies, including the Ministry of Finance and the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). Representatives from these entities joined Minister Persaud during the site visit.
The opening follows the successful commissioning of Guyana’s first Day, Night and Early Childhood Development Centre at Anna Catherina, Region Three, which was established to provide similar services to families in that community.
Government officials believe the continued expansion of these facilities will strengthen household stability, create greater opportunities for parents to pursue employment and education, and improve outcomes for children through access to structured early learning programmes.
By providing free, accessible and child-friendly care services, the initiative is expected to play an important role in supporting family well-being while advancing broader national goals related to education, gender equality and economic development.