Ministry of Education confirms schools to offer Early Learning in 2012

The Ministry of Education has confirmed the schools that will offer the new Early Learning Program in Phase 3 of implementation in September 2012. Rainbow Schools include Algonquin Road Public School, Charles C. McLean Public School, Cyril Varney Public School, Little Current Public School, Monetville Public School, Northeastern Elementary School, Redwood Acres Public School and R.L. Beattie Public School.

The Early Learning Program was introduced in six Rainbow Schools last fall – Churchill Public School, Lansdowne Public School, Princess Anne Public School, Queen Elizabeth Public School, Wembley Public School and A.B. Ellis Public School.

Three more schools will offer the Early Learning Program in the second phase of implementation this fall – Adamsdale Public School, C.R. Judd Public School and Central Manitoulin Public School.

The Early Learning Program will be fully implemented by September 2015. “In the meantime, all Rainbow Schools will continue to offer full day every day Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten, giving all families access to full-day programming for four and five-year-olds,” said Norm Blaseg, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board.

In Early Learning Program schools, a teacher and early childhood educator lead the program, with average class sizes of 26 children. For a fee, parents have the option of enrolling their children in before and after school programs, providing continuity of learning and a seamless day for families. A revised curriculum document is guiding the implementation of this program for four and five-year-olds in both the day and extended day components. (www.edu.gov.on.ca/kindergarten/index.html)

Rainbow District School Board reminds parents/guardians to register their children for Kindergarten-Early Learning if they have not done so already. For enrolment in Junior Kindergarten, your child must be four years of age by December 31st, 2011. For enrolment in Senior Kindergarten, your child must be five years of age by December 31st, 2011. To register in the English Program or French Immersion, contact the Rainbow School in your area.

For more information, visit rainbowschools.ca and click on Full Day Every Day Kindergarten under “highlights”.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,

Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.