Rainbow District School Board will introduce the Early Learning Program for four and five-year-olds at eight more schools when classes resume Sept. 4.

Algonquin Road Public School, Charles C. McLean Public School, Cyril Varney Public School, Little Current Public School, Monetville Public School, Northeastern Elementary School, Redwood Acres Public School and R.L. Beattie Public School.

“All Rainbow schools will offer full day every day Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten as we continue to phase in the Early Learning Program,” Norm Blaseg, director of education for Rainbow District School Board, said in a press release.

“This will give all families access to full-day programming for four and five-year-olds.”

The Early Learning Program was launched in September 2010 at Churchill Public School, Lansdowne Public School, Princess Anne Public School, Queen Elizabeth Public School and A.B. Ellis Public School.

Three more schools began offering Early Learning in the second phase of implementation in September 2011 - Adamsdale Public School, C.R. Judd Public School and Central Manitoulin Public School.

The Early Learning Program will be fully implemented in Rainbow Schools by September 2014.

In Early Learning Program schools, a teacher and designated early childhood educator lead the program, with average class sizes of 26 children.

Parents can enroll their children in before and after school programs offered by independent service providers for a fee. This ensures continuity of learning and a seamless day for families.

A revised curriculum document is guiding the implementation of this program for four and five-year-olds in both the day and extended day components.

The school board is reminding parents/guardians to register their children for Kindergarten-Early Learning if they have not done so already.

For enrolment in Junior Kindergarten, the child must be four years of age by Dec. 31. For enrolment in Senior Kindergarten, the child must be five years of age by Dec. 31. Programs are offered in English and French Immersion.

For more information or to register, contact the Rainbow school nearest you or visit rainbowschools.ca.

If registering your child for the first time, bring his/her identification documents including birth certificate, birth registry/baptismal certificate, Ontario Health Card, and an immunization record.