The broad based program “Educa a tu hijo” (Educate Your Child) is one of the many ways in which the strengths of the Cuban educational system are manifested. The early childhood education program is designed to benefit those infants and toddlers who do not attend pre-school day care centers.
This 2018, Educate Your Child reaches its 26th anniversary. From the beginning, its main objective has been to support families and prepare them to educate their children at home.
What began as a study in isolated mountain areas of the island, today is applied throughout the country, with twice-weekly sessions and the advice of trained facilitators and promoters.
Through this program, families meet in community spaces to learn about activities they can undertake with their children up to the age of six.
Children under one year of age are also part of the Educate Your Child program. This age group is served by Childcare specialists who offer consultations in local family doctor’s offices.
The consultations not only offer guidelines on feeding and normal development, but family doctors also advise parents and grandparents on the necessary educational activities for good early childhood development.
Beyond preparing children for school, the last 26 years have shown how effective the program is in improving the lives of infants and their families.
How many children benefit from the program?
- 463,393 children (68% of the population under five years of age).
- 2,972 children in rural areas experience pre-school acrivities through the program.
Agencies involved:
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Public Health
- Ministry of Justice
- Ministry of Culture
- National Institute of Sports and Recreation
- Federation of Cuban Women
- Social workers
Background
- 1982 – 1992: Ten years of research to see how to care for children up to 6 years of age living in isolated rural areas, not attending pre-school.
- 1992: The program is available in all rural and urban areas.
Possible sites:
Educate Your Child can also put into practice in:
- Women’s prisons
- Hospitals
