Qualified teachers contribute to full-day Kindergarten success

TORONTO, Sept. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - A study released today about the effectiveness of full-day Kindergarten supports what teachers already know - full-day Kindergarten delivered by certified teachers sets children up for success, says James Ryan, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA).

A key finding of the study, conducted by Queen's and McMaster universities from 2010-2012, reports that: "Children who have completed full-day Kindergarten are better prepared to enter Grade 1 and to be more successful in school."

"Critics who say that the full-day Kindergarten program is too expensive or not economically feasible aren't looking at the long-term benefits of the program," Ryan says. "The research is clear: investing in early learning education is a sound economic strategy that benefits society."

Research also confirms that the success of full-day Kindergarten programs is directly linked to the quality of the teachers who provide them.

"OECTA members who teach the full-day program are best qualified to provide enriched learning, while gauging a child's interests, abilities and potential, all within a play-based environment," adds Ryan.

To ensure that OECTA members continue to deliver a high quality Kindergarten program, OECTA offers Additional Qualification courses leading to a specialist Kindergarten qualification that enhances professional practice, and extends knowledge and skills in the delivery of Kindergarten.

"Challenging economic times demand that Ontario continue its investment," Ryan says, "with a commitment to full-day Kindergarten, taught by certified teachers."

OECTA represents the 45,000 professional women and men who teach all grades in publicly funded English Catholic schools in Ontario.

SOURCE: Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association

Michelle Despault, Director of Communications
416-925-2493 ext 509, [email protected]