The CCDC is a unit of the Consortium for Social Development and Research (CSDR), of the University of the West Indies, Open Campus. Originally established as the Regional Preschool Child Development Centre in 1972, the Centre was renamed the Caribbean Child Development Centre in 1985 to more accurately reflect its evolving role in child development.

Our mandate relates to ensuring the best interests of children and child development as we aim to serve as the premiere Caribbean academic centre dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life for our children.

Our mission is provide support for the holistic development of Caribbean children, through collaborative research to inform policy and programme development, information management and dissemination, teaching and training; public service; and promotion of the best possible outcomes for children
Over the years, the focus of our activities has varied and our current work includes:

• Research Programmes on (i) Aggression and Violence in Jamaican and Caribbean Children, and (ii) HIV/AIDS and Child Development

• Teaching and student supervision

• Training (Child Rights and Responsibilities Course)

• Technical assistance to support capacity building of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Sector in the region

• Database management on Violence Prevention Programmes; HIV Programmes, and Caribbean Child-related Issues

• Networking and collaboration with a number of local, regional and international bodies, including IIN, Childwatch, and Global Child Development

• Dissemination of information