NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2008EDU0093-001123
July 18, 2008
Ministry of Education
EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CONSULTATIONS EXTENDED
VICTORIA – The Early Childhood Learning Agency is extending its
consultation deadline on the feasibility of full-day kindergarten for
five-year-olds and optional full-day pre-kindergarten for
three-and-four-year-old children, Education Minister Shirley Bond said
today.
"There have been more than 1,300 responses to the Early Childhood
Learning Agency’s request for input on full-day kindergarten and
pre-kindergarten, and I would like to thank the many individuals and
groups who submitted their responses by the initial deadline," said
Bond. "Due to this terrific response, the consultation deadline is being
extended by one month, to Aug. 15, so that additional responses may be
considered."
The Early Childhood Learning Agency has been tasked with exploring the
feasibility of expanding early-learning programs in British Columbia for
full-day kindergarten for five-year-olds and optional full-day
pre-kindergarten for three-and-four-year-olds. It will report back to
government on its findings by the end of 2008.
"Many families have told us they want more options and choice for their
children and this is about exploring those options," said Bond. "The
agency continues to gather views and opinions from a wide range of
groups and individuals to help ensure the government’s actions are
aligned with the needs and priorities that British Columbians have for
their children."
The agency has prepared a consultation paper as part of the process of
stimulating dialogue. To view the consultation paper and submit your
input, please go to http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/ecla/. Responses received
by Aug. 15, 2008 will be included in the consultation report.
The Early Childhood Learning Agency has been created within the Ministry
of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Children and Family
Development.
Since 2001, government has invested more than $137 million in new
literacy initiatives, including pre-literacy and early-learning programs
such as StrongStart BC. The Province has committed $38 million to fulfil
a 2008 throne speech commitment to expand the StrongStart BC program to
400 centres by 2010.
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