WILLEMSTAD – A significant milestone in the development of Conscious Discipline in Curaçao was marked during a celebratory event on March 13, highlighting the growing focus on emotional well-being and behavioral development within the island’s education system.
During the event, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Sythree van Heydoorn, presented certificates to 94 professionals who successfully completed the study of the book Conscious Discipline: Building Resilient Classrooms. In total, 100 participants took part in the program.
The certified group represents a broad cross-section of the education sector, including school leaders, teachers, internal counselors, social workers, pedagogical staff, remedial teachers, coordinators, mentors, and representatives from both educational support organizations and the ministry. This diversity reflects the collaborative nature of the initiative.
The program is part of a deliberate investment by the ministry in strengthening professionals responsible for the education and care of children aged 0 to 16. The Conscious Discipline approach, developed by Becky Bailey, is an internationally recognized, evidence-based method that focuses on brain-based strategies, self-regulation, and emotional safety.
The initiative in Curaçao began in 2022 with a two-day training for school leaders, followed by advanced sessions in 2023 and expanded workshops for a wider group of professionals. The sessions were facilitated by certified instructors from Aruba, who played a key role in introducing the methodology locally.
Following the initial training phases, participants engaged in an in-depth study of the Conscious Discipline framework, aimed at further internalizing its principles and strengthening both personal and professional development.
According to organizers, the approach is already showing positive results in educational settings, including reduced conflict in classrooms, a calmer learning environment, and stronger relationships between teachers and students. Children are also developing key skills such as self-regulation, cooperation, and problem-solving.
With the completion of the study phase, the initiative is now entering a new stage focused on implementation and long-term sustainability. A project team and working group, established by ministerial decree, are currently developing a formal framework to guide continued application across institutions.
The program is expected to expand further, not only within schools but also into non-formal education environments such as early childhood education and after-school programs.
The ministry will continue to play a coordinating role, providing direction and monitoring the quality and progress of implementation.
The initiative represents a broader shift toward a more holistic educational culture in Curaçao, placing emotional safety, connection, and conscious action at the center of learning and development.