Full-day early learning on its way to Nipissing

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Local children and their families will benefit from an integrated day of learning and play when full-day early learning comes to Nipissing this September.

Full-day early learning for four and five-year-olds will be available at:

E.W. Norman in North Bay, Near North District School Board
Marshall Park in North Bay, Near North District School Board

M.T. Davidson in Callander, Near North District School Board

Mother St. Bride in North Bay, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board

Our Lady of Fatima in North Bay, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board

Ste. Anne in North Bay, Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord

Ste. Anne in North Mattawa, Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord

Parents who are interested in registration for full-day learning classes, including the before- and after-school program, should contact their local school or school board.

In full-day learning classrooms, teachers and registered early childhood educators will work together to help children learn and develop emotional, social and academic skills that are crucial for healthy development. Schools will also offer extended day programs led by early childhood educators. Parents can enrol their child in these integrated programs for a reasonable fee, giving children even more opportunities to learn, play and grow.

Ontario is investing in the education of our youngest students to better prepare them for future success. The goal is for all schools to offer full-day learning by 2015-16.

“Creating an integrated day of learning and play, full-day early learning will give children more opportunities for success. It is a key part of our government’s plan to build a stronger school system and a well-educated workforce for the future,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing.

“By giving our four- and five-year-olds a stronger start in school, we’re giving them a stronger start in life. Full-day early learning will help more children, their families and Ontario’s communities thrive,” said Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education.

“The Ministry of Education’s early learning initiative is a strong investment in the future of the students of this province. The Near North District School Board recognizes the positive impact this will have on our learners and we are eager to begin implementation of this program in our schools,” said Heli Vail, Director of Education for the Near North District School Board.

QUICK FACTS

Up to 35,000 four- and five-year-olds in nearly 600 Ontario schools will attend full-day early learning in September. The full list of schools is available at Ontario.ca/EarlyLearning.

As part of the full-day learning initiative, parents can choose to enrol their child in integrated before- and after-school programs for a reasonable fee. Subsidies will be available for some families, based on financial need.

Full-day early learning will help students with their reading, writing and math skills, provide a smoother transition to Grade 1, help more students achieve success at school, and help create a stronger economy for the future.

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