Schools
Early Learning Program in the SCDSB
Full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds
The Ministry of Education recently announced plans for the implementation of full-day early learning for four- and five-year-olds. The Early Learning Program will be introduced in selected schools in the 2010-2011 school year, and will be phased in gradually each year with the goal of having all Ontario publicly-funded schools offer full-day Kindergarten by the 2015-2016 school year.
Early Learning Program: What parents need to know
How will the Early Learning Program (ELP) be rolled out in the SCDSB?
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) has been allocated up to 31 classes to serve 806 students for full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds in the 2010-2011 school year. For the 2011-2012 school year, the SCDSB will have up to 45 ELP classrooms serving approximately 1,170 students. The number of classrooms/student spaces is allocated by the Ministry of Education for each school board in Ontario.
How will the classes be organized?
Each class will have an average of 26 students and will be supported by one teacher and one early childhood educator. The teachers and early childhood educators will work together to provide learning opportunities and offer support to our students. Click here to view a Ministry of Education information sheet with details about the Early Learning Program components.
Which schools have been selected for the ELP in the 2010-2011 school year?
• Adjala Central Public School
• Admiral Collingwood Elementary School
• Assikinack Public School
• Baxter Central Public School
• Clearview Meadows Elementary School
• Codrington Public School
• Coldwater Public School
• Hon. Earl Rowe Public School
• Killarney Beach Public School
• Lions Oval Public School
• Oakley Park Public School
• Port McNicoll Public School
• Sir William Osler Public School
• Sunnybrae Public School
• Warminster Elementary School
• Waubaushene Elementary School
Staff at the SCDSB submitted recommendations for schools to the Ministry of Education. These recommendations were based on the following criteria:
• availability of purpose built JK/K classrooms without requiring capital construction or renovation
• community need
• minimal impact on existing child care and early years programs – particularly considering existing licensed child care based in a school or within a 2 km radius
• student achievement data
For schools that are not selected for the first phase of the ELP implementation, full-day alternate day Kindergarten will continue to operate as it currently does at your local public school. It is expected the entire SCDSB will offer the ELP by the fall of 2015. In the meantime, all schools will continue to offer exceptional learning opportunities for students in all Kindergarten programs. For more information about the Kindergarten program at the SCDSB, click here.
Will the full-day early learning program be mandatory for four- and five-year-olds?
No. The early learning program, like Kindergarten, will remain optional for four- and five-year-olds. In Ontario, children are required to attend school once they turn six-years-old. Although Kindergarten is voluntary, 90 per cent of eligible children are enrolled provincially.
I am new to Canada. Where can I find additional information for my family?
Families of students new to Canada are invited to contact our Newcomer Welcome Centre at 705-725-8360, ext. 310.
Where can I find out more about full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds?
More information on the Early Learning Program can be found on the Ministry of Education’s website.
How do I register my child for Kindergarten in the SCDSB?
Kindergarten registration at the Simcoe County District School Board will begin in February 2010. For more information, click here.