Government Application Process for Early Childhood Assistance Programme Funding Now Open

The Ministry of Education provides financial assistance through the Early Childhood Assistance Programme (ECAP) fund for young Caymanian children who will be between the ages of 3 years old and 4 years old before September 1, 2019. ECAP applications are now being accepted to assist with payment of fees at any early childhood centre once the family meets certain criteria. This year the Ministry has increased the total ceiling income figures for applicants by five percent which means that families with higher incomes may now qualify for assistance. 

“Access to quality early childhood education and care is critical in helping to provide the best foundation for success in later years. That is why we made the decision to change the financial means testing criteria so that more families are able to take advantage of the programme,” said Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Minister for Education. Application forms and information can be downloaded from the Ministry of Education’s website: www.education.gov.ky.

Forms may also be collected from the Government Administration Building, Department of Education Services and all early childhood centres., All completed ECAP application forms must include the required documentation and be directly submitted to the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Unit located on the 2nd floor of the Government Administration Building. Payments for all approved applicants will be made directly to the early childhood care and education centres, beginning September 1, 2019. For more information about ECAP, contact Reneé Barnes on 244.5735 or email [email protected].