Franco-Ontarian teachers welcome proposed model for full-day kindergarten

OTTAWA , Oct. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - The Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO) welcomes the Ontario government's proposal to expand full-day kindergarten programs staffed by teachers with the support of Early Childhood Educators. AEFO believes this model offers the best possible start to Ontario's children. It also confirms the value of the early-childhood programs which have been offered in Ontario's French-language schools for some15 years.

"The Franco-Ontarian community long ago recognized that full-day kindergarten programs for four- and five-year olds play an essential role in ensuring school readiness, in raising achievement levels and in developing the cultural identity of children in a minority setting, says AEFO president, Benoit Mercier. That is why Ontario's French-language boards set up such programs even though they were not fully funded by the province."

AEFO believes the model chosen by the government will enrich the programs already in place in the French-language schools. This makes full use of the services and expertise that teachers and ECEs can offer together.

" Children will greatly benefit from this forward-thinking decision, says Benoit Mercier. This model ensures that they will be getting extra support in their first school years, thus greatly improving their chances for success."

AEFO represents some 9,500 teachers and other educational workers who work in Ontario's French-language elementary and secondary schools as well as workers in other French-language establishments in Ontario.

For further information: Comments: Benoit Mercier, President, [phone], [phone] (cell.); Information: Marie-Élisabeth Brunet, Communications Officer; [phone] or [phone] (cell.)