Starting in September, nine schools in the county will offer a full day of learning for kindergarten students starting in September.
Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson said on Tuesday local children and their families will benefit from an integrated day of learning and play.
“Full-day early learning will help provide our children more opportunities for future success,” stated Wilkinson.
“We’re taking these important first steps toward giving all of our four- and five-year-olds a firmer foundation for learning – and for life. Helping our young people as early as possible is the very best investment our province can make.”
Full-day early learning for four- and five-year-olds will be available for the 2010-11 school year at:
– Arthur Public School;
– Drayton Heights Public School;
– Erin Public School;
– John Black Public School in Fergus;
– Minto-Clifford Public School in Harriston;
– St. John Brebeuf Catholic School in Erin;
– St. John Catholic School in Arthur;
– St. Mary Catholic School in Mount Forest; and
– Victoria Cross Public School in Mount Forest.
“This an exciting time for parents and children at the Upper Grand District School Board,” said Bob Borden, Chair of the Board.
“We will be working to make the Early Learning Program a success for our students and their families.”
Up to 35,000 four- and five-year-olds in nearly 600 Ontario schools will attend full-day early learning in September. Over the next five years full-day early learning will become available at all elementary schools in Ontario. Enrolment is at the discretion of parents.
‘The Early Learning Program investments are a key element in the social, emotional and intellectual development of our youngest citizens,” said Dan Duszczyszyn, treasurer and superintendant of corporate services fot the Wellington Coounty Catholic School Board.
“Wellington Catholic welcomes this initiative and looks forward to the implementation of full day programming throughout our jurisdiction.”
In full-day learning classrooms, Wilkinson said teachers and registered early childhood educators will work together to help children learn and develop emotional, social and academic skills that are crucial for healthy development.
Schools will also offer extended day programs led by early childhood educators. Parents can enrol their child in these integrated programs for a reasonable fee, giving children even more opportunities to learn, play and grow.
As part of the full-day learning initiative, parents can choose to enrol their child in integrated before- and after-school programs for a reasonable fee. Subsidies will be available for some families, based on financial need.
Accordind to Wilkinson, full-day learning will help students with reading, writing and math skills, provide a smoother transition to grade 1, help more students achieve success and help create a stronger economy for the future.
