The ABC FUNHOUSE Early Learning Centre is community-based and was established to meet the day care and preschool needs of the community of Augier and its environs. It opened its doors in September 1996. Funding for the centre came from various sources including land from Government of St. Lucia and funds from Canada Funds, the private sector and generous members of the Augier Community. In August 1999, ABC FUNHOUSE E. L. C. received funding from the French Mission and The Poverty Reduction Fund for the expansion of the centre.

The Centre promotes an enriched child–based curriculum that promotes and supports the needs, skills and total development – social, emotional, intellectual, physical – of children, from an individual and group perspective within a structured but flexible setting. The environment is set to promote and enhance skills of self esteem, self reliance, initiative, independence, curiosity, critical thinking and problem solving. An attractive and stimulating setting with allocation of spacious play areas both indoor and outdoor is the trademark of the ABC Funhouse Early Learning Centre. The curriculum establishes a balance between free play and constructive work so as to cater to the needs of all the children. It also seeks to develop fully the children’s physical ability through outdoor play.

Community partnership and ownership are paramount to the overall progress and development of children, their families and the nation at large. Parents/Guardians are therefore valued as the children’s primary teachers and their participation and involvement are integral elements of the curriculum and other activities of the centre.

The ultimate goal of the ABC FUNHOUSE Early Learning Centre is a relationship based on trust, love, respect and acceptance for every child, parent, and caregiver.

Structure and Operations:

The Centre is managed by an eight member Board of Directors. Current Board members are:

· Mr. Ignatious Evans, a former education officer

· Mr.George Lee St. Jour, a retired principal of the Augier Combined School

· Two residents of the Augier community,

· Two parents,

· A caregiver of the centre, and

· The administrator, Elsa Joyeux.

The ABC FUNHOUSE E.L.C currently accommodates seventy (70) children between the ages of 1 – 5. There are six staff members, one cook and the administrator. The Centre is funded through fees paid by parents every term and other fund raising activities. A small grant received each term from the Laborie Cooperative Credit Union goes towards the feeding programme. A recent partnership has been formed between ABC Funhouse and Grassington Primary School in England. The Principle, staff and children assist the ABC FUNHOUSE with donations of toys, games, books and other school supplies every other year.