Start 'em young: New Guam law supports early childhood literacy

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Sabina Perez

The recent enactment of a measure expanding Guam's early childcare and education system marks a bold step toward promoting early childhood literacy and school readiness in children from birth to eight years old, according to Sen. Sabina Perez.

“Early intervention and coordinated support are keys to unlocking every child’s potential, and I look forward to working with our partners to bring this vision to life and help Guåhan’s children thrive," said Perez, author of Bill 100-38, now Public Law No. 38-49.

The new law will provide support to parents and guardians of young children by expanding training among various service providers in early childhood development. 

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, an early childhood education expert, said research consistently shows that high-quality early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, health and success.

"Children who have access to early learning opportunities are more likely to enter school ready to learn, perform better academically, and develop the social and emotional skills necessary for productive citizenship," Rivera said.

"This will help bridge gaps in access, improve program quality and support families who are striving to give their children the best possible start in life,” she added.

P.L. 38-49 strives to create a strong and unified network of professionals that provide education to families of children up to eight years of age, to ensure that each of them will be guided in communication, reading, play and development screening when they obtain services from DPHSS, attend Head Start or school, or visit a doctor. 

DPHSS will lead a collaborative effort with all relevant agencies to design and implement the training rollout. The law also integrates early childhood training through completion of continuing education credits for re-licensure for healthcare professions. 

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