Q & A About the New Kindergarten Early Learning Program

On October 27, 2009, the Ministry of Education announced phased in implementation of an all day, every day Early Learning Program in elementary schools for children ages 4 and 5. Implementation will begin in September 2010 in selected schools and more schools will be added over the next five years.

Q -Will the school my child is to attend have all day, every day Kindergarten classes?
A - We understand that parents and community members are very interested and excited about this new Kindergarten program, as are we. We have not yet received information from the Ministry of Education confirming any sites as all day, every day sites for September 2010.
We advise parents when planning for next year to assume that the model of Kindergarten currently available in their school will remain the model for 2010. If there is any change, you will be notified as soon as possible once the Ministry of Education confirms the school sites.

Q – How many schools will offer all day, every day Kindergarten?
A - An early, unconfirmed estimate is that for phase one in September 2010, there will be approximately 11 school sites offering all day, every day Kindergarten. So for most schools, the model of Kindergarten delivery will remain the same as in September 2009.

Q – When will the schools chosen for all day, every day Kindergarten be announced?
A - It is anticipated that confirmation by the Ministry of Education of school sites chosen for the new Early Learning Program will occur in late December or early January, and those school sites will be notified as soon as possible.

Q – If our school isn’t chosen, can we change schools?
A - We do not anticipate granting permission for students to change schools to access the all day, every day Kindergarten program at this time.

Q – What about child care and before and after school programs?
A - We are working to coordinate our efforts with those of our Catholic school partners, and with the community partners who have delivered child care programs to encourage a seamless and transparent transition to this new program.