Early learning kindergarten program now fully implemented

When school starts again Sept. 3, early-learning kindergarten will be offered in all of the province's publicly funded elementary schools.

That's because funding for the program has now been fully rolled out by the province. The government has been gradually phasing in the program over the last few years.

In Early Learning Program schools, a teacher and early childhood educator lead the full-day 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.

At the Rainbow District School Board, the program is being introduced in 12 more schools in September 2014 – Assiginack Public School, Chelmsford Public School, Ernie Checkeris Public School, Larchwood Public School, Levack Public School, Markstay Public School, M.W. Moore Public School, R.H. Murray Public School, S. Geiger Public School, Walden Public School, Webbwood Public School and Westmount Avenue Public School.

“We are in the final year of implementation for Early Learning - Kindergarten,” said Rainbow board director of education Norm Blaseg, in a press release.

“Rainbow District School Board offered full day, every day Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten in all Rainbow Schools as the program was being phased in.”

“All four- and five-year-olds will now participate in Early Learning – Kindergarten with a teacher and Early Childhood Educator. Children will continue to be involved in exciting projects that interest them and engage them in dynamic classroom environments designed to maximize learning through play.”