Bermuda Government staff will get training on early childhood education thanks to a partnership with the US State Department.

Local representatives will visit the US with their airfares paid for by the Government. Once they get there, the State Department provides a local liaison, room and board and transportation.

Announcing the news in the House of Assembly on Friday, Education Minister Elvin James said the Volunteer Visitor Programme has been running for a number of years. In the past, local representatives have visited US facilities that deal with 'at risk' children.

Last year, a Department of Education team reviewed alternatives to out of school suspensions. "The team made valuable contacts, and continues to work on the development of a solution to the worrisome problem of student behaviour and the suspension of students from school," said Mr. James.

The next trip in October or November this year, will focus on providing a solid educational grounding for children as young as three and four.