IT is said the first five years of a child's life are very important, as it is during this period that parents, teachers and caregivers can lay the foundation that would shape a child's future health, happiness, growth, development and learning achievement.

At Little Learners Pre-School and Daycare, the aim is to develop children to be physically healthy, mentally alert, emotionally sound, socially competent and eager to learn.

Owners Sherina and Sharaaz Mohammed launched their school recently at Maraj Street, Warrenville, Cunupia.

Since 2008, the couple began planning and putting together their dream of building a pre-school and daycare in the Cunupia area that would offer more than just a learning environment for children, but also a place where they could have fun and plenty room to explore and develop in a safe and secure environment.

With 24-hour video surveillance, a secure environment and easy access throughout the building, parents can be assured that their little ones are safe and well looked after by a team of highly dedicated and well-trained staff.

The school can facilitate between 60-70 children.

Speaking at the launch, Mohammed said: "Children learn more quickly during their early years than any other time in their life. When you look at Trinidad and Tobago now you see an increase in poor parenting and upbringing of children at this critical age. What we are trying to achieve at Little Learners is to also work with parents to help them reinforce what is taught at this school."

He added: "Children need love and nurturing to develop a sense of trust and security that turns into confidence as they grow. This is one of the main reasons we decided to launch this pre-school and daycare…our love for children."

Also speaking at the launch was Zalina Ishmael, head teacher of Warrenville TIA, who lauded the Mohammeds for their initiative and the vision they share with the wider community of Cunupia.

Ishmael told parents to be patient with their children and work with teachers. "There are many skills that your child will learn during pre-school years and it is critical that you constantly work with them to give them the confidence of becoming independent," she said.

"These skills and early experiences provide the base for the brain's organisational development and functioning throughout life. They have a direct impact on how children develop learning skills as well as social and emotional abilities," she added.

Natalie Saddnagim, a teacher at the school, said all children have a right to be raised in a family and to have access to quality healthcare, good nutrition, education, play and protection from harm, abuse and discrimination. She said children have a right to grow up in an environment that enables them to reach their full potential.

"At Little Learners we are committed to developing children in a holistic, fun and loving environment and instil into them good manners and values that would take them through the passages of life," Saddnagim said.

For more information, call 693-2834 or 749-4041.