The importance of early childhood development is to be highlighted through a partnership between an early years organisation and a collective of education experts.

Early Years Nurturing Bermuda has partnered with the Early Childhood Advisory Group, a group of the island’s leading early childhood practitioners and advocates, to advance the programme.

EYNB said the collaboration aimed to “amplify key messages and information” about the importance of early childhood development through shared networks and unified advocacy efforts.

The charity said the stakeholders will harness their collective expertise and networks to ensure that families, caregivers and policymakers receive consistent, evidence-based information on the critical role the early years play in shaping the island’s next generation.

Niche Communications, a local marketing firm, will provide strategic direction to the initiative.

Cummings Zuill, a founding chairman of EYNB, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Early Childhood Advisory Group to strengthen our shared mission of supporting young children and their families.

“By combining our efforts and leveraging our collective networks, we can ensure that every family in Bermuda understands the importance of the early years and has access to the resources they need to thrive.”

Support has also been provided by the Bermuda Foundation.

Myra Virgil, its executive director, said: “Investing focused attention and resources to early childhood development will improve outcomes for young children, giving them the head starts they deserve and need.”

Through the partnership, the stakeholders plan to leverage their collective networks.

The move was designed to amplify messages about child development and to promote evidence-based resources such as the Red Flags Bermuda Guide and other education tools.

Penny Saltus, the executive director of the Early Childhood Foundation, said: “The Early Years Nurturing Bermuda website has created a foundation of evidence-based tools and resources that are invaluable for childcare providers.

“Now more than ever, it is important to be talking about these issues and ensuring that every child has the best start in life.”

• For more information, e-mail info@earlyyearsbda.org