Full-Day Early Learning is a Good Beginning

TORONTO , Oct. 27 /CNW/ - Every child deserves the best possible start. The Premier's announcement today launches the first phase of an extended and integrated full-day early learning program for four- and five-year old children in Ontario. It is a commitment to the children of the province to provide a solid foundation for student success throughout their school years.

A child's readiness to learn at the start of grade one is the single strongest predictor of how well the child will do in every grade, whether they will graduate successfully, what their earning potential will be, how positive their contribution to society will be and even how healthy they will be. The research on this is overwhelming, consistent and irrefutable.

"The Ontario Public School Boards' Association wholeheartedly embraces the fundamental importance of full-day early learning. It is the right service to provide for children and their families and it is a responsible investment in Ontario's future," said OPSBA president Colleen Schenk .

School boards have examined the many considerations to be addressed in preparing an implementation plan for the full-day early learning initiative. The issues are complex and flexibility in options is essential. The announcement indicates a key role for school boards and this is a positive step.

School boards are looking forward to working together and in partnership with the relevant ministries, the early childhood education community and municipalities to ensure that the program delivery model and implementation strategy are responsive to the diverse needs of children and families. School boards have the capacity and creativity to provide programs that work best for children.

While the announced roll-out represents only a part of the vision of Charles Pascal's plan described in With Our Best Future In Mind, it is a good beginning. It represents optimism in difficult economic times and respects our commitment as a society to vital opportunities for children.

For further information: Jeff Sprang, Communications, [phone]