Ontario's Next Step For Full-Day Early Learning
February 17, 2010 3:00 PM
McGuinty Government Introduces Legislation To Give Young Children A Stronger Start
Ontario has taken an important step toward ensuring that all four- and five-year-olds have access to an engaging and enriching full day of learning.
Legislation will be introduced today that would, if passed, mandate that all school boards offer full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds, including the integrated extended-day programs.
The Full-Day Early Learning Statute Law Amendment Act, 2010, would also give boards the authority and responsibility to set, charge and collect fees for the before- and after-school programs.
The full-day learning program will be rolled out to all elementary schools over the next five years. It will help prepare young students for future success. It's part of the province's plan to build a stronger school system - a key to building a stronger Ontario.
QUICK FACTS
- In September 2010, up to 35,000 children in nearly 600 schools are expected to participate in the first phase of the provincial full-day learning program.
- School boards recommended which schools should offer full-day learning in September 2010 based on a set of criteria, including available space and local need.
- Full-day learning is being phased in over time, with a goal of having it available in all elementary schools by 2015-16.
LEARN MORE
CONTACTS
- Gary Wheeler
Communications Branch
416-325-2454
gary.s.wheeler@ontario.ca - Greg MacNeil
Minister's Office
416-325-0122
greg.macneil@ontario.ca
ontario.ca/education
"Full-day learning will give four- and five-year-olds the strongest possible start in school. I'm excited to be introducing this legislation to give boards, principals, teachers and early childhood educators the support they need to implement this ground-breaking program."
– Leona Dombrowsky
Minister of Education
Communities
