Boys and Girls Clubs Welcome Ontario Government’s Partnership Approach
to Full Day Learning

MARKHAM, ON, Dec. 16 /CNW/ - Boys and Girls Clubs welcome the Ontario Government's decision to amend legislation to enable school boards to partner with community-based organizations in the delivery of before and after-school programs under the full day kindergarten program.

With more than 100 years of experience providing before- and after-school programs that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of young people, Boys and Girls Clubs understand the importance of such programs and support Ontario's goal of establishing a full day learning system that makes them available to Ontario children and families. "We are pleased that the full day learning plan is proceeding, and that Boys and Girls Clubs will have an opportunity to contribute our expertise in delivering before and after-school programs to help achieve key goals for the new full day learning system" said Sandra Morris, Regional Director, Central Region.

Boys and Girls Clubs have been positively transforming the after-school experience of Ontario children and youth for more than 100 years, and already partner with schools and school boards to provide high-quality, cost-effective before and after-school programs that reinforce the in-school curriculum, are affordable for parents and families, and have a real, positive, lasting impact on young people. Across Ontario, 25 local community Boys and Girls Clubs serve more than 110,000 children and youth, from pre-school to young adulthood, at more than 160 service locations. More than 40% of our programs are currently offered in school settings, with Clubs providing seamless transitions to and from school in other cases through safe walk and busing programs.

"We are committed to working with the Province, school boards, parents, teachers and other partners to achieve key goals for the new full day learning system, and meet the needs of Ontario children, youth, families and communities." says Morris.

About Boys and Girls Clubs

Boys and Girls Clubs are leading providers of high-quality before- and after-school programs that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of young people. Clubs' high-quality, cost-effective programs support and reinforce the in-school curriculum, are affordable for parents and families, are available when parents and families need them, and have a meaningful impact on young people -- helping to create positive change that lasts a lifetime. Parent surveys and other assessments indicate that young people who participate in Club programs: are more confident learning new things; spend more time reading; benefit from homework help and educational support; are more physically active; enjoy healthy snacks and meals; and start to make healthier choices both in the after-school period and outside of it. In a national Ipsos-Reid survey, 9 out of 10 Boys and Girls Clubs alumni agree that their involvement with the Clubs has provided them with valuable life skills and made them better off today. To learn more, visit www.bgccan.com.

For further information:

Sandra Morris
Regional Director, Central Region, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
[phone]
[email protected]