Times have changed for early childhood education
Posted Jan 21, 2010 By Ryland Coyne
Email
Print
Tweet ThisEMC Editorial - I can still picture the scene. A group of young parents had gathered for a public meeting at the tiny school after hearing a proposal from the then Lanark County Board of Education. Trustees were trying to introduce all-day alternate-day kindergarten, bringing an end to the traditional half-day program for four and five year-olds which had been around, it seemed, since the dawn of time.
I was still a cub reporter working in Almonte at the time and nowhere near parenthood. But even I couldn't quibble with their concerns about the proposed change. The parents questioned how such little people would be able to handle a full day of schooling. What would be the curriculum, when or how often would they rest, how could they be assured this would be anything more than glorified day care? All fair questions that were answered as best they could by the local trustees and board staff in attendance.
Despite the obvious consternation, the board introduced the full-day alternate-day program the following year.
By the time our little guys came along in the mid 1990s, all-day alternate-day was the norm. Not only were there no concerns, it was applauded by educators and parents alike. The worries voiced so passionately just a few years earlier had vanished following a period of adjustment.
Fast forward almost 20 years and the provincial government is taking the next step in the process. Starting next school year, 600 elementary schools across Ontario will be the first to roll out the all-day, every-day kindergarten program. As the new system takes hold, the program will be expanded to all other schools with full implementation by 2015.
But unlike the fears expressed so loudly a couple of decades ago, there appears to be no hint of worry from parents or teachers this time around. It's the exact opposite, in fact.
"This is a watershed day for elementary education in this province," boasts Sam Hammond, president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario when the official announcement was made Jan. 12.
It's still early days, of course. Everything from class size to available space must still be worked out. And some parents who don't like the idea of their little ones spending all day at school five days a week, may yet speak up. They also have the ability to opt out if they so choose. But with the evolution of early childhood programs and their obvious importance in the development of the child, it's become evident this next step will only benefit all involved.
And if my young family's own experience in all-day alternate-day programming is any indication at all, it's clear the kids will be up for the challenge as well.
