Programme Overview
This course is designed with two (2) levels to introduce the concepts and principles that are central to Child-Friendly Schools (CFS) within the Global context (Level I) and to further explore these concepts and principles in the Jamaican school context (Level II). This course will help participants to:
- apply the concepts and principles that are the foundation of the CFS model;
- recognise CFS as a dynamic model that charts a pathway to quality enhancement in education that is flexible enough to be applied to development as well as emergencies;
- gain the necessary technical knowledge, programming skills, and aptitudes to support the planning and implementation of the CFS model for education, as well as its mainstreaming into the national education policies and plans; and
- become familiar with key reference documents and resources to support the application of the CFS model.
Principles of Child-Friendly Schools
Child-CentrednessA holistic approach that focuses on all factors that influence a child’s education, including health, safety, security, and psychosocial well-being.
InclusivenessEqual access to education, welcoming ALL students regardless of age, gender, ability or financial situation.
Democratic ParticipationIn keeping with children’s rights, students have a say a bout the structure, content and process of their education, along with other stakeholders.
ProtectionChildren’s protection and well-being are central to all aspects of school life, including safety, architecture and curriculum
Admission Requirements
This course is open to all Principals, Vice Principals, Guidance Counsellors, Deans of discipline, Education Officers and Senior teachers desirous of learning more about the Child Friendly Schools initiative, a core component of UNICEF’s programmes in the field of education.
Programme Delivery
The course is delivered asynchronously via the Learning Management System of the National College for Educational Leadership. The online course will include readings, videos and self-assessment activities.
Programme Structure
This online programme consists of eight modules each addressing the key leadership competencies. It is administered over a period of three months with appropriate breaks between courses which will enable participants to reflect and regroup.
The following modules are components of the Child Friendly Schools initiative:
| Module | Overview |
| Inclusivity and Gender Sensitivity | This module examines inclusivity in education with an emphasis on integrating inclusion principles in learning environment and the curriculum. |
| School-Community Links | This module is designed to encourage strategic partnerships for the development of child-friendly schools. |
| CFS Design and Construction | This module examines child-friendly school principles that should be considered in the design and construction of educational institutions. |
| Education Policy and Scaling Up | This module focuses on the role of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI) in the mainstreaming child-friendly schools across Jamaica |
| Responding to Emergency and Conflict Situations | This module explores various initiatives undertaken by countries in the Caribbean to ensure that educational institutions provide a sense of safety and security for all stakeholders. |
| Learning and Teaching I | This module examines child-centered instructional strategies aimed at developing active learners who contribute to the learning and teaching process. |
| The Learning Environment I | This is the first of a two-part module that focuses on the learning environment in a child-friendly school. |
| The Learning Environment II | This is the second of a two-part module that focuses on the learning environment in a child-friendly school. |
