Pearlyn Burrell-Henry
Pearlyn Henry-Burrell is Senior Policy Advisor for Early Childhood Care & Education, Ministry of Education, where a good day as a policymaker involves contributing to a system that nurtures, supports, and empowers every child in the Cayman Islands to reach their potential.
What first inspired you to become an early childhood advocate, and was there a particular moment that sparked your passion?
Growing up in a rural community and intimately understanding poverty. My path was solidified in Sunday school, where the simple joy of guiding young minds and witnessing their innocent curiosity was profound. The pivotal moment that sparked my passion to become an early childhood advocate came when a shy child, initially hesitant, blossomed with confidence through gentle encouragement.
Where did you grow up, and what is your favourite childhood memory?
I grew up in the countryside of the vibrant island of Jamaica, surrounded by the warmth of family and a strong sense of community. In addition to going to the field to reap crops or play 'dollhouse', my favourite childhood memory is gathering with cousins and elders in the evenings for storytelling sessions under the starry sky. The rhythm of their voices, the captivating tales of Anansi the spider and other folklore, ignited my imagination and instilled in me the power of narrative and connection. It’s a tradition of shared learning and cultural richness that I cherish.
What is your favourite children’s book and why?
'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' by Dr Seuss. This book is a vibrant and encouraging ode to life's journey, with all its ups and downs. It inspires resilience, self-reliance and the courage to face the unknown with optimism.
Knowing what you know about the importance of early childhood, what advice would you give to new parents about how to give their child the best possible start in life?
My single piece of advice to new parents in the Cayman Islands would be to focus on building warm, responsive relationships with your child and creating a stimulating and safe environment for them to explore and learn through play.
Delores Thompson
Delores Thompson is Vice President of the Cayman Islands Early Childhood Association and Director of the NCVO Preschool, and is passionate about early childhood education and development.
What is one thing about early childhood education or advocacy that you wish more people understood?
How important it is! This is an exciting time to be an early childhood educator as the importance of early childhood education is backed by research from various fields, including education, neuroscience, biology and economics. Together, they provide evidence that the greatest development of the brain happens between birth to five; good nutrition and nurturing care has a major impact on that development. The evidence is there—we now need to act on it!
Knowing what you know about the importance of early childhood, what advice would you give to new parents about how to give their child the best possible start in life?
Spend time bonding with your children. A game of peek-a-boo really can change the world! Then continue to talk and play with your children as they grow. Put down the devices. No devices before the age of two and supervised, very limited use thereafter.
What is a challenge in this field that keeps you up at night, and what gives you hope?
Providing the right support to children with special needs. We are seeing more and more children with additional learning support needs, and some families are not able to access the support they need because of financial constraints. There is no one fix for everyone, and it can be complicated working with teachers, parents and therapists to ensure that children receive the support they need. What gives me hope is the fact that these children are being identified early, and with insurance coverage more and more children are receiving help from therapists.
What is your favourite children’s book and why?
'Rainbow Fish'. It was a favourite of my own children, and it teaches the importance of sharing; emphasising that true happiness comes from making others happy.
Erica Dell'Oglio
Erica Dell’Oglio is a former Montessori teacher and the Executive Director of LIFE (Literacy is for Everyone), an independent charitable organisation founded in 2012 to increase literacy levels across the Cayman Islands.
What first inspired you to become an early childhood advocate and was there a particular moment that sparked your passion?
It was a journey that unfolded over time. My passion has grown steadily through the work we do at LIFE, where I’ve seen first-hand the transformative impact that quality early experiences, literacy support and community engagement can have on a child's future.
What is one thing about early childhood education or advocacy that you wish more people understood?
I wish more people understood that early childhood is where the playing field should be levelled so that all children, regardless of background, can thrive. With greater investment and a deeper understanding of how critical the first years of a child's life are, Cayman’s future generations would be healthier, more resilient and better equipped to thrive.
Where did you grow up, and what is your favourite childhood memory?
I had a wonderful childhood filled with many memorable experiences growing up in various parts of Africa. I have two favourite childhood memories; one is sitting outside with my dad at night, looking at the stars and listening to the sounds of nature. The other is listening to my mum read my brother and me bedtime stories.
What is your favourite children’s book and why?
'Little Blue Truck', by Alice Schertle, is a beautiful story about the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others. This timeless story grows with children, gently teaching the importance of kindness and respect as they come to understand it from new perspectives throughout their journey in life.
Shari Straker
Shari Straker is Director and SENCo at Precious Gems Preschool. She started her career as a nanny for a child with additional needs, which sparked an interest in helping young children reach their full potential.
What is one thing about early childhood education or advocacy that you wish more people understood?
The skills children develop, the experiences they have, and the concepts they’re exposed to shape who they become and serve as the foundation for all future learning. Academics aren’t the most important thing in early childhood. Foundational life skills and play: that’s what early childhood should be all about.
What does a good day at work look like for you?
Our Commonwealth Day celebration. Everywhere I looked, there were smiling faces and people actively engaging. Days like that are always the happiest for me.
Knowing what you know about the importance of early childhood, what advice would you give to new parents about how to give their child the best possible start in life?
Time. Give your babies time—your time, specifically. I’ve seen the effects of a lack of quality parent-child time on preschool children. And I’ve also seen the powerful benefits in children raised in homes where quality time is a priority. Make the commitment to spend time with your child—especially during those critical early years from birth to five. The benefits you and your child will reap for the rest of your lives far outweigh the short-term sacrifices.
What is your favourite way to unwind after a long day working with children or advocating for them?
A good meal, preferably one I didn’t have to cook, and a great book or show. Nothing better.
Where did you grow up, and what is your favourite childhood memory?
I grew up on the beautiful island of Barbados but my favourite memories are our annual road trips. We would travel by car from Miami to California, Atlanta, New York, or Alabama to visit family and friends. They were amazing bonding experiences and definitely core memories.
