The government plans to establish two new early childhood education centres as part of an effort to expand access to preschool services across Antigua and Barbuda.

Education Minister Daryll Matthew informed Cabinet that new facilities are being planned for the Judges Hill/New Winthorpes area and the Jennings community, according to information provided during Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

The proposed centres form part of the government’s broader strategy to increase the availability of early childhood education and provide more families with access to structured learning opportunities for young children.

The expansion plans were announced alongside Cabinet’s approval for the government to assume responsibility for the Sir Luther Winter Preschool, a long-standing institution founded more than 50 years ago by the late Dame Idris Bird.

Officials said the new centres will help strengthen the country’s network of early childhood education facilities and support the delivery of safe and nurturing learning environments during children’s formative years.

Cabinet was told that the initiatives reflect the government’s continuing investment in education and its commitment to improving access to quality preschool services throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

No timeline for construction or opening dates was announced during the briefing.