Public school enrollment declining? Have lots of parents who are “languishing on childcare wait lists? In Canada they are considering accepting 3 and 4 year olds, reports the Oak Bay News. But the education minister, Shirley Bond, doesn’t want to call it “kindergarten.â€
The ministry plans to create an early learning childhood agency to look into the costs of extending half-day kindergarten to full day by 2009. It will also explore the feasibility of including four- and three-year-olds by 2010 and 2011 respectively. The goal is to improve student outcomes, Bond said.
“We know that one in four children arrive at the kindergarten door and they are not developmentally ready to learn and it makes it really challenging for them to (eventually) complete even a high school program.â€
The plan also aims to make use of excess space in schools where student enrolment is declining.
Closing unneeded schools doesn’t seem to be an option.
Parents feel pressure. With standards higher than ever, they ask, “How can I help my child succeed?” I strongly advocate learning through play for young children and there is much parent can do to prepare their child to be confident and successful in kindergarten and beyond. I have written Alphabetology to assist parents in preparing their children for kindergarten. It is a study of the alphabet through exploration and fun. See a preview of the book and share your ideas at http://www.Abcbook.us
Thanks,
Ginny