Do what is best for 4-and 5-year-olds, OECTA recommends

TORONTO , Sept. 22 /CNW/ - The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association, OECTA, is calling on the McGuinty government to do what is best for 4- and 5-year-olds.

James Ryan , OECTA president, says this is not the time to play politics. "Research shows that children do best when they spend their days in a class with a teacher. Ontario should ensure that children are with certified teachers throughout the regular school day."

"Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) can help teachers deliver a quality, age-appropriate program - and that would improve the program. Teachers would welcome ECEs as a part of a full-time integrated team that would work together to meet the needs of every student," Ryan says.

Research shows that young children benefit from being with a teacher, who is trained to meet their pedagogical needs and address learning exceptionalities, throughout the day. OECTA believes that Ontario's children deserve a full-day Kindergarten program, not the mixture of childcare and Kindergarten that is being discussed in some circles.

OECTA's experience supports this research, says Ryan, who is an elementary teacher himself.

OECTA members, who have taught both half-day and full-day programs that are already in place in eight of Ontario's Catholic school boards, report that full-day, every-day programs are superior and provide a richer learning environment for all children. These programs give all children improved chances for success.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association represents 45,000 elementary, secondary and occasional teachers in Ontario's Catholic schools.

For further information: James Ryan, President, [phone] X 418 or Mobile: [phone]