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EXCERPTS
Prince Edward Island will offer a full-day public kindergarten program in Island schools in September 2010.
Following the release of the public kindergarten commissioner’s report in Summerside today, Premier Robert Ghiz advised that government has endorsed the direction of the report. Recommendations that require further analysis or consultation will be considered by groups of educator, parent and partner representatives.
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Government has approved the recommendation that kindergarten will be a full-day, mandatory program for the full school year.
Existing kindergarten teachers will be considered first for the new teaching positions in the school system.
Each kindergarten teacher will teach a maximum of 15 students.
The play-based curriculum that was recently developed by Island kindergarten educators will continue to be used. The curriculum is based on the philosophy that five-year-olds learn through play, and that they can best learn skills and concepts through active exploration, discovery and hands-on involvement.
Premier Ghiz said that while people are excited about moving kindergarten to schools, many are also concerned about the impact this will have on the early childhood sector.
“Government understands the vital importance of early childhood education. We are committed to working closely with the sector to identify and address training needs. We are also prepared to fund a comprehensive review that will determine the short and long-term needs of the sector and policy direction to support a vibrant and sustainable early learning and child care system.”
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A Kindergarten Transition Team and nine work groups will begin immediately to draft action plans in such areas as supports for students with special needs, teacher training programs and certification levels, and transition issues for early childhood centres.
Collaborative work groups include representatives of government, school boards, UPEI, Holland College, Collège Acadie, Early Childhood Development Association, Early Learning Operators of P.E.I., CUPE, P.E.I. Teachers’ Federation, P.E.I. Home and School Federation, Féderation des parents and Canadian Parents for French.
- reprinted from the Charlottetown Guardian