McGuinty Government Building A Well-Educated Workforce

January 12, 2010      

Local children and their families will benefit from an integrated day of learning and play when full-day early learning comes to Huron and Bruce Counties this September.

Full-day early learning for four- and five-year-olds will be available at:

• Clinton Public School, Avon Maitland District School Board
• Howick Central School, Avon Maitland District School Board
• G.C. Huston Public School, Bluewater District School Board
• Kincardine Township-Tiverton Public School, Bluewater District School Board
• Lucknow Central Public School, Bluewater District School Board
• Mildmay-Carrick Central School, Bluewater District School Board
• St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board

Parents who are interested in registration for full-day learning classes, including the before-and after-school program, should contact their local school or school board.

In full-day learning classrooms, teachers and registered early childhood educators will work together to help children learn and develop emotional, social and academic skills that are crucial for healthy development. Schools will also offer extended day programs led by early childhood educators. Parents can enrol their child in these integrated programs for a reasonable fee, giving children even more opportunities to learn, play and grow.

Ontario is investing in the education of our youngest students to better prepare them for future success. The goal is for all schools to offer full-day learning by 2015-16.

Carol Mitchell, MPP of Huron-Bruce, is planning events in the coming weeks to celebrate the seven local full day learning site announcements.

QUOTES

• “Creating an integrated day of learning and play, full-day early learning will give children more opportunities for success. It is a key part of the government’s plan to build a stronger school system and a well-educated workforce.”
  - Carol Mitchell, MPP, Huron-Bruce
  
• "The Avon Maitland District School Board is very excited about offering full day learning programs in a number of our schools. There is a great deal of research that supports the fact that the earlier learning skills are introduced to children, the greater degree of success they will experience throughout their educational journey. We are confident that this new initiative will provide our very youngest students with the important early start they require in their learning." 
  -  Chuck Reid, Director of Education for the Avon Maitland District School Board
  
• "The positive impact of effective early learning programs has been clearly identified in the research.  We are delighted that the government has made this important investment in providing all day kindergarten programs which will advantage all our students."
  - Mary Anne Alton, Director of Education, Bluewater District School Board
  
• “Huron-Perth Catholic is thrilled to support our early learners to better prepare them for future success.  As a Board, we are strong believers in early learning. We are excited to welcome our youngest students into our Catholic schools.” 
  -  Martha Dutrizac, Director of Education for the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board
  
• “By giving our four- and five-year-olds a stronger start in school, we’re giving them a stronger start in life. Full-day early learning will help more children, their families and Ontario’s communities thrive.”
  - Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education

QUICK FACTS

• Up to 35,000 four- and five-year-olds in nearly 600 Ontario schools will attend full-day early learning in September. The full list of schools is available at Ontario.ca/EarlyLearning.
• As part of the full-day learning initiative, parents can choose to enrol their child in integrated before- and after-school programs for a reasonable fee. Subsidies will be available for some families, based on financial need.
• Full-day early learning will help students with their reading, writing and math skills, provide a smoother transition to Grade 1, help more students achieve success at school, and help create a stronger economy for the future.

LEARN MORE

• See how full-day learning is part of Ontario’s plan to reduce poverty. 
• Find out more about full-day learning.

Carol Mitchell
(519) 482-5630                         carolmitchell.ca

Posted on 13 Jan 2010 ..... ...Back