Post-impact assessments show that 466 of the island’s 2,420 early childhood institutions were affected by the hurricane. An estimated 24,058 infants and 2,305 early childhood practitioners were affected, with regions three, four and five recording the highest levels of disruption. However, as at January 28, 2026, 2,399 early childhood institutions had reopened, representing approximately 99.1 per cent of facilities islandwide. “The recovery of the early childhood sector is not only about restoring infrastructure, but about safeguarding continuity of care, learning and emotional wellbeing for our youngest learners,” she said. The ECC said it remains committed to supporting institutions to meet operating standards and to strengthening resilience across the early childhood sector.