Full Day Kindergarten?

Saturday, July 19, 2008 03:47 AM

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 says there have been more than 1300 responses to the request for input so far "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."

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.

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Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2008 03:47 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Wileycoyote on July 19 2008 7:26 AM

As long as 3-4 years olds NEVER become manditory then whats the difference between that and day care for kids that age??? its just free (kinda) for the parents if we call it pre-kindergarten.

Posted by: mythoughts on July 19 2008 8:46 AM

I'm sitting on the fence with this one. I have grandchildren coming up to this age & it would certainly save on daycare costs for their parents. Statistics show that kids who do attend pre-kindergarten are more advanced in school. I'd support my tax dollars going to fund this if they actually do teach the kids, but not if it's just free daycare and they just play all day.

Posted by: owl on July 19 2008 10:15 AM

Learning through play ... not a new concept and very effective.

http://www.cordovabaypreschool.org/index.php/webpages/40

In adults it is called learn by doing ... experiential learning. Typically people retain more through learning by doing than any other type of learning.

Posted by: astro on July 19 2008 11:44 AM

It may save on day care costs, but the teachers will still have to be paid.

Posted by: woodwoman on July 19 2008 4:28 PM

I agree astro - or is this just another political move for the government (for votes)- increase daycare spots and decrease
costs for young parents?

Posted by: heidi1555 on July 19 2008 8:27 PM

because my daughter is a bus student she will automatically be full day. It works where she will go 2 full days a week and some fridays. The schedule will be set app. the second week of school.

I agree owl...live and learn.....hopefully the first time.

;)

Posted by: owl on July 19 2008 8:30 PM

I think it is a plot to keep schools open and teachers employed. :-)

The number of students in elementary schools would be increased if there are two more levels of classes.

So, can't have it both ways. Wanna keep neighbourhood schools open? Find appropriate uses for the space.

Perhaps we should not do that and convert some of he schools to homeless shelters.

;-)

Posted by: lostfaith on July 20 2008 11:16 AM

"I think it is a plot to keep schools open and teachers employed. :-)"

Exactly what I was thinking Owl.

Posted by: lostfaith on July 20 2008 1:05 PM

While we are at it, lets replace all those aging school district work vehicles and allow more employees to take them to and from work.

Now more than ever no one should be allowed the use of any taxpayer funded vehicles for personal use.

Posted by: heidi1555 on July 20 2008 7:17 PM

Yes homeless shelters or community centres where the less fortunate kids (Big Brothers and Little Sisters like my daughter calls it..lol because she is one) can show up and play some volleyball/basketball (small court but kids can still keep active and out of trouble). Use some of the classrooms for music or open up some walls for dance.

Posted by: eve on July 21 2008 9:31 AM

My child did the full day, full week Kindergarten last year at Quinson Elementary. It was by no means a glorified daycare. The day was very structured with an emphasis on literacy and math. He thouroughly enjoyed school and is looking forward to grade 1. I found the schedule fantastic as both my husband and i work full time.

Posted by: lostfaith on July 21 2008 11:02 AM

lets not forget it's taxpayers dollars that will pay for it.
Your children can go to this extended school while you and your spouse can go to work and earn $100.000.00, while others that earn half that amount with no children also have to pay for it.

People need to take more of the financial responsibility for raising their kids.

Posted by: eve on July 21 2008 11:07 AM

I wish i was earning 100 G's ! i pay taxes as well. My point was that children of that age are ready for a full day of learning. And for parents i know that have their children in part time kindergarten, trying to juggle pick ups and part time daycare and shuttling to and from is not always possible. Most jobs are not that lienent. Plus, if you happen to be a single parent, I would think it would be even harder. However, the most important thing, is that the child is better prepared for a life of learning.