Khalil Ramal MPP Deb Matthews MPP Chris Bentley MPP

London-Fanshawe London North Centre London West

NEWS January 12, 2010

Local children and their families will benefit from an integrated day of learning and play when full-day

early learning comes to London this September.

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

• Blessed Kateri Separate School (London District Catholic School Board – LDCSB)

• St. Catherine of Siena Separate School (LDCSB)

• St. Robert Separate School (LDCSB)

• Northridge Public School (Thames Valley District School Board – TVDSB)

• Stoney Creek Public School (TVDSB)

• Stoneybrook Public School (TVDSB)

• Cleardale Public School (TVDSB)

• Evelyn Harrison Public School (TVDSB)

• Lord Nelson Public School (TVDSB)

• A.E. Duffield Public School (TVDSB)

• Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc (Conseil scolaire de district des écoles catholiques du Sud-Ouest)

Parents who are interested in registration for full-day learning classes, including the before- and afterschool

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.

…/2

-2-

“Creating an integrated day of learning and play, full-day early learning will give children more opportunities for

success. It’s a key part of the government’s plan to build a stronger school system and a well-educated workforce.”

-- Khalil Ramal MPP (London-Fanshawe)

“Research tells us that kids who participate in early learning are better prepared for grade one, do better in school

overall, and are more likely to complete high school and further their education. This is why I’m delighted that

London schools have been selected for the first phase of our government’s Full-Day Early Learning program.”

-- Deb Matthews MPP (London North Centre)

“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.”

-- Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education

"The Thames Valley District School Board is very supportive of the Ministry's Early Learning Program.

We know how beneficial Full Day Learning will be to the long term development of children. We will

work closely with the schools chosen for this first phase of Full Day Learning to support this major

initiative."

-- Bill Tucker, Director of Education, TVDSB

"The London District Catholic School Board looks forward to this important opportunity for our youngest

learners and we look forward to the support that this program will offer families in our community."

-- Wilma de Rond, Director of Education, LDCSB

“Le Conseil scolaire de district des écoles catholiques du Sud-Ouest has always recognized the importance

of full-day, every day learning for Junior and Senior Kindergarten children. We have been offering a fulltime

program for many years. We look forward to working with the Ministry of Education in developing a

revised early learning curriculum which will better meet the changing needs of our francophone children

and their families.”

--Janine Griffore, Director of Education, CSDÉCSO

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 beforeand

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.

…/3

-3-

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

Find out more about full-day learning.

-30-

Contact:

Julie Misener Cristina Taglione Ashley Conyngham

Office of Khalil Ramal MPP Office of Deb Matthews MPP Office of Chris Bentley MPP

519-668-1104 519-432-7339 519-657-3120