Balancing work and family: 24-hour childcare centre brings relief to parents

Parents, guardians, and caregivers in Region Three are welcoming the life-changing support of Guyana’s first-ever 24-hour Day and Night Care and Early Childhood Development Centre, which is helping them balance work, family, and economic opportunities.

The $93.8 million state-of-the-art facility, located in Anna Catherina, was recently commissioned by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. Since its opening, it has been providing free, high-quality childcare to children from birth to three years and nine months during the day, and accommodating children up to 12 years old in the evenings.

Anna Catherina caregiver Windy Miller said the facility is easing the strain on working parents while also creating jobs.

“A facility like this would not only benefit myself as a caregiver but it would also benefit parents. For those parents that is working in the evening and they’re in need of a childcare facility to house their children, where they can can feel comfortable,” she noted.

Leonora resident Ameir (only name given) also praised the centre for addressing a long-standing gap in safe, reliable childcare.

“A facility like this is a very good addition to Region Three, because right now we have a lot of working parents – especially single mothers, single fathers – and it’s very difficult and find a place to take care of your child. So this is a very good initiative,” he indicated.

For many beneficiaries, the centre is more than just a childcare option — it is a doorway to economic empowerment. President Ali highlighted its role in enabling women who have stayed home to raise children to now seek employment or pursue training.

Operated by the Ministry’s Childcare and Protection Agency through its Early Childhood Development Unit, and staffed by qualified Early Childhood Practitioners, the facility offers a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment day and night.

Government officials have indicated that this is the first of several such facilities planned to meet the changing needs of Guyanese families.

      Windy Miller                                                                                                                  Ameir from Leonora