Full-Day Kindergarten Builds the Foundation for Future Success

TORONTO, April 27 /CNW/ - Bill 242, the Full-Day Early Learning Statute Law Amendment Act passed earlier today paves the way for the implementation of Ontario's ground-breaking full-day kindergarten program. The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) applauds the government for its commitment to the development and academic success of our young children.

"The investment in early education is so very important. Research has shown that the foundation of a student's success is developed in the early years. Ontario's full-day kindergarten program will substantially strengthen that foundation by providing greater opportunities for learning, as well as more opportunities to identify and address learning difficulties at an early age," said ETFO President Sam Hammond.

The federation was among the stakeholders contributing to the creation of the amendments. "We are confident that the enabling legislation as amended will be more effective because of this consultation process," Hammond said.

"We commend the government for its unwavering commitment to the welfare of four- and five-year-olds. This commitment took a lot of courage in today's economic environment, but it will pay a lifetime of rewards, not only for our children, but for our communities and the economy."

ETFO members have provided first class kindergarten programs for decades and they are prepared to continue that tradition in full-day, every-day kindergarten programs.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 76,000 elementary public school teachers and education workers across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.

For further information: Sam Hammond, President, ETFO, [phone] (Office); Larry Skory, ETFO Communications, [phone] (office), [phone] (cell)