C A R I B B E A N E A R LY C H I L D H O O D G O O D P R A C T I C E G U I D E
a Adequate Preparation
5
Invite all key stakeholders.
6
Prepare & circulate Consultation document based on issues paper to stakeholders at least 7 days prior to consultations.
7
Schedule and publicise consultations.
8
Appoint experienced facilitator & Rapporteur.
9
Conduct the consultations
The preparatory stage ensures that planning is done at the requisite level of detail. The most critical aspect of this phase is to recognise that political endorsement is a key success factor for Policy design, as it is the politicians who will ultimately approve the Policy 5. The early involvement of the key decision-makers at this early stage is therefore critical to the overall success of the Policy process. The entire process must be mapped out so that the route to developing the Policy is clearly established. This will include: developing a detailed work plan; identifying key stakeholders; clarifying roles, responsibilities and lines of authority; preparing a budget, and confirming finance.6 A clearly designed organizational structure for the Policy planning process is desirable. Part of this structure should include a planning committee, usually led by a coordinator selected by the lead ministry.7 This process is essential to ensuring clarity among all stakeholders on whose responsibility it is for driving the process and maintaining the momentum to complete the work.
b Comprehensive Situation Analysis 8 The situation analysis will assist in identifying the key areas of strengths and weaknesses of the sector and will be the foundation upon which the Policy will be developed. It should provide accurate information on the overall operating context (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Policy, Standards and Regulations); status of the sector (strengths and weaknesses); the driving forces affecting the sector (positive and negative); quantitative and qualitative analysis of the sector, including statistics on vulnerable children and resource assessment.
c Broad-Based Consultation 10 Develop first Draft of the Policy to be discussed by Planning Committee and key Personnel.
11 Revise the First Draft based on feedback.
12 Second Draft to be
discussed nationally.
13 Formal Draft to be
submitted to Cabinet.
22
These consultations should be national in scope, inclusive and participatory. This results in greater Policy ownership, better Policy implementation and improved chances of achieving the goals of the Policy.9
d Policy Draft and Consensus Building Develop the first draft and improve based on feedback from stakeholders in an iterative process.
e Submission of Policy for Approval by Relevant Government Authority
5 ibid 6 Emily Vargas-Baron - Planning Polices for Early Childhood Development: Guidelines for Action. 7 CARICOM Regional Guidelines For Developing Policy, Regulations and standards in Early Childhood Development Services 8 Planning Polices for Early Childhood Development: Guidelines for Action, CARICOM Regional Guidelines For Developing Policy, Regulations and standards in Early Childhood Development Services 9 Planning Polices for Early Childhood Development: Guidelines for Action