Phase 3: Board approves schools to offer Early Learning in 2012

The new Early Learning Program for four and five year olds will continue to be phased in to Rainbow Schools in the next few years. In the meantime, all Rainbow Schools will continue to offer full day every day Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten.

The Early Learning Program was introduced in six schools in September 2010 – Churchill Public School, Lansdowne Public School, Princess Anne Public School, Queen Elizabeth Public School, Wembley Public School and A.B. Ellis Public School.

The Early Learning Program will be offered in three more schools in the second phase of implementation in September 2011 – Adamsdale Public School, C.R. Judd Public School and Central Manitoulin Public School.

The Early Learning Program will be offered in eight more schools in the third phase of implementation in September 2012 – Algonquin Road Public School, Charles C. McLean Public School, Cyril Varney Public School, Little Current Public School, MacLeod Public School, Monetville Public School, Redwood Acres Public School and R.L. Beattie Public School.

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)

“With full day Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten available every day, all children in Rainbow Schools will be immersed in a rich play-based learning environment as the Early Learning Program is phased in,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg. All Rainbow Schools are expected to offer the Early Learning Program by September 2015.

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.