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Full-day Learning Coming To Hamilton’s Schools

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Archive

Full-day Learning Coming To Hamilton’s Schools
Ontario Government Building A Well-Educated Workforce

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

Full-day early learning for four- and five-year-olds will be available the following schools:

• Bennetto Elementary School
• Cathy Wever Elementary School
• Dr. J Edgar Davey Junior Public School
• King George Junior Public School
• Parkdale School
• Pauline Johnson Public School
• Prince of Wales Elementary School
• Queen Mary Public School
• Richard Beasley Junior Public School
• Roxborough Park Junior Public School
• Sir Isaac Brock Junior Public School

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.

QUOTES

"Early childhood education is one of the most important things we can do to give our children a head start in life. For Hamilton, this is a significant step towards making our city the best place in Canada to raise a child,” said Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain.

"By giving our four- and five-year-olds a stronger start in school, we’re giving them a stronger start in life. Full day learning will help more children and families right here in our Hamilton area,” said Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale.

“Our public Board is proud to begin the implementation of full-day kindergarten as another way to offer innovative programming that meets the needs of our youngest learners,” said Jessica Brennan, Chair of Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. “Through this initiative, we can further support working families.”

“I’m pleased that today’s announcement will bring early learning to so many of our students, and that the selection reflects our aim to support students in our high- and moderate-needs areas,” said Director of Education John Malloy.

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.

LEARN MORE

See how full-day learning is part of Ontario’s plan to reduce poverty.
Find out more about full-day learning.


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For more information, please contact:

Shawn McKillop
Communications Officer
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
905-531-1522