The Early Childhood Learning Agency (ECLA) was announced in the Speech from the Throne in February 2008. It is situated within the Ministry of Education and works in close cooperation with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

The ECLA has been tasked with exploring the feasibility of expanding early learning programs in British Columbia. It will report back to government decision makers by the end of 2008.

As part of this work, the ECLA would like to know what you think. A consultation paper which asks for input on the feasibility of full-time kindergarten for five-year-olds and optional full-day pre-kindergarten for three- and four-year-old children, is now available. Responses received by July 18, 2008 will be carefully considered.

BC has announced that it is going to double the number of StrongStart BC Centres in BC schools.  Here are the locations of the new centres that have been announced.

From the StrongStart BC website:

StrongStart BC is a free, drop-in early learning program for preschool‑aged children accompanied by a parent or caregiver. 

Qualified early childhood educators lead learning activities, including stories, music and art to help children get ready for success in kindergarten.

Parents and caregivers attending StrongStart BC centres can expect to participate in organized sessions like story time, in play activities, and in serving a healthy snack.

Parents and caregivers are likely to discover new ways to support their children’s learning at home, and may make valuable connections with others attending the centre.

So while this is great news…I do find myself wondering where all the Early Childhood Educators are going to come from?  You may recall that we are having a bit of a staffing crisis in BC (as is much of the country) in attracting and retaining qualified educators.