The RCP is the flagship programme of the FDCC. It is an early childhood development and family support programme designed to strengthen the care environment of children from birth to age three years, particularly young children in rural communities who:

• Are socially vulnerable
• Cannot access formal early childhood education
• Receive no form of early stimulation
• Are often exposed to inappropriate practices

It is therefore a “safety net” for the Caribbean’s most vulnerable youngsters by providing early stimulation to children and parenting education to caregivers.

Services are delivered by Roving Caregivers (Rovers) – they provide direct support to children and their families who would otherwise lack access to formal early childhood development services.

This programme was originally based on the Jamaican RCP model, and has since been adapted and appropriated, giving rise to a wholly Caribbean indigenous model of best practice.

Two bolt-on modules have been developed to complement and focus the RCP, depending on country-specific requirements. They are the Family Learning Programme (FLP) and Early Childhood Outreach (ECHO) programme.

Figure 1: The RCP and its Complementary Service Modules

The RCP is a multi-site programme (implemented in several Caribbean countries) with many commonalities at each site.

In addition to teaching parents and other caregivers how to build a healthy learning environment (early stimulation, health and nutrition), the RCP also trains young adults in their communities – the Rovers. It gives them the opportunity to develop knowledge, self-esteem and community acceptance.

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RCP Objectives

• Offer early stimulation to young children and improve parenting practices in disadvantaged communities
• Recruit Rovers from these communities and train them to assist in service delivery
• Ultimately, transfer RCP-acquired knowledge and skills to appropriate local support agencies
• Document RCP processes and products to enable replication

How the RCP Works

Young men and women are recruited to serve as community Roving Caregivers (Rovers). With detailed and continuous training, Rovers work in their home communities, making regular visits to target group families with children.

During home visits, Rovers involve children in play activities that support the development of their motor, perceptual, emotional and cognitive skills. They also offer tips and guidance to parents on promoting early childhood development and learning, health, hygiene and safety.

In addition, Rovers coordinate Parent Support Programmes in their communities, bringing parents together each month to increase their knowledge of early childhood development strategies and to collectively develop income-generating activities. Training is a key principle – everyone is trained by the RCP: children, parents and Rovers. Training meetings are held every two weeks to reinforce teaching delivered by Rovers during home visits. Each RCP is continually assessed and improvements made as required. And the FDCC partners with local agencies in each country of operation.

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RCP Locations

Although each Caribbean country of operation has different and even unique features, they share commonalities including poverty, mountainous terrains, and practically inaccessible interior communities and homes. This creates issues of access to daycare centres, levels of isolation and invariably uninformed child-rearing skills.

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• RCP Brochure