Childcare and early education in Belize
If you are moving to Belize with your family, you likely have questions about child care and education. There are few child care centers in Belize. This is largely because the extended family network almost always cares for young children in the situations where both parents work. If you live in an area with no daycare, you can entrust your less than 3 years old children to a nanny or another mother or grandmother already caring for her own children during your working hours or if you have to go out for a few hours.
Education system in Belize
Belize's education system is still somewhat old fashioned. Learning is very straight forward and not particularly child centered, but children have an abundance of time off and time outside. In all schools, children still go home for lunch. Schools are partially government funded, and this is supplemented by NGOs, churches, and student fees. Nearly all students pay for their own books, and all pay for their own uniforms. Education is compulsory from five years old, but most schools have programs of at least half a day for children as young as three. Children attend primary school until they are roughly 14 years old. Each district also has several secondary schools, although education isn't compulsory past the age of 14. Note that pre-primary education is not compulsory in Belize.
Home schooling is legal. It is supposed to be approved by the Ministry of Education, but this is rarely enforced by anyone other than the Immigration Department.
How to enroll your child
The country hosts several pre-primary and elementary schools. Their fees can sometimes be quite high. Rural schools tend to be less expensive, and you are free to enroll your child in whatever school you choose. Most schools provide buses within a reasonable distance. To register your child, you should go to the school nearest to your home. Documents to be produced are your child's birth certificate and health card as well as your identity card. Proof of address may be requested.
There is not an inclusive list of daycares in Belize. You will need to ask around. Be sure to visit and ask for recommendations before enrolling.
Nannies
If your children are less than three years old, you can entrust them to a nanny. Nannies will usually not only look after your children but also take care of household chores. Fees can be negotiated and are often incredibly reasonable. You can also request them to perform overtime babysitting.
Good to know:
If you are hiring a nanny or a mother who is caring for her own children in her home, it is wise to express your opinions about spanking or hand smacking if you feel strongly about these issues. Though children are almost universally well loved, welcomed, and cared for in Belize, spanking is still a very common practice. It's no longer allowed in schools, but if your child is in a day-care or home-care situation, it is best to share your opinions ahead of time.
Useful links:
Belize Ministry of Education moe.gov.bz
Ministry of Human Development humandevelopment.gov.bz
