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Education

September 3, 2010

Consultations to Begin on Early Childhood Learning Strategy

To better prepare young children for lifelong learning, support their development and ease their transition into school, the Provincial Government is moving forward with a strategic plan for early childhood learning. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, today announced public consultations to assist with development of the strategy.

"Our intent is to develop a strategy which will provide a seamless transition from early childhood into the school system, to enhance children's early learning and better support healthy child development," said Minister King. "Research tells us that early childhood experiences have a major impact on their success in school and the workplace, and in many other aspects of life. We want to ensure we have the resources and programs to help reach children at the right age and in the right way, so that all children in Newfoundland and Labrador have the best opportunity for success."

The consultations will focus on three proposed components of the strategy: support for parents and families of children from birth to three years of age; provision of enhanced early learning opportunities for four year-old children; and the possibility of introducing full-day Kindergarten.

Fifteen facilitated discussions with officials from the Department of Education will be held across the province. Anyone wishing to attend a session must register at least two days in advance by calling: 1-877-556-7845.

Anyone wishing to provide input into the strategy but unable to attend a session can provide feedback via e-mail, regular mail or by telephone. Contact information, as well as a discussion guide, is available at www.gov.nl.ca/edu.

The Provincial Government is seeking input from individuals with knowledge in the areas of child development, education, health and early learning, as well as parents and caregivers of children up to six years of age.

"Children experience early learning in all environments, including the child's home, play groups, libraries, child care settings such as family child care and centre-based child care, family resource programs, schools and recreational programs," said Minister King. "That's why we're seeking input from stakeholders in all areas to ensure a comprehensive approach to this strategy."

In addition to the public consultation sessions, meetings will be held across the province with staff in school boards, regional health authorities, and other government departments as a part of the consultation process.

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Media contact:
Tara Power
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 727-5953
tarapower@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Schedule of Consultations for Early Childhood Learning Strategy

Date Community Time Location
Monday, September 13 Grand Falls-Windsor 2:00 - 4:00 pm Mount Peyton Hotel
Monday, September 13 Stephenville 7:00 - 9:00 pm Holiday Inn

 

Tuesday, September 14 Port-aux-Basques 7:00 - 9:00 pm Hotel Port-aux-Basques

 

Tuesday, September 14 Clarenville 7:00 - 9:00 pm Clarenville Inn
Wednesday, September 15 St. Lawrence 2:00 - 4:00 pm Golden Age Senior Citizens Club
Wednesday, September 15 Corner Brook 7:00 - 9:00 pm Greenwood Inn
Thursday, September 16 St. John's 7:00 - 9:00 pm Holiday Inn
Thursday, September 16 Placentia 7:00 - 9:00 pm Placentia Bay Cultural Arts Centre
Friday, September 17 Carbonear 2:00 - 4:00 pm Fong's Motel
Monday, September 20 Mount Pearl 2:00 - 4:00 pm Mount Pearl Hotel
Tuesday, September 21 Old Perlican 2:00 - 4:00 pm John Hoskins Community Centre
Tuesday, September 21 Labrador City 7:00 - 9:00 pm Sir Wilfred Grenfell Hotel
Thursday, September 23 Happy Valley- Goose Bay 7:00 - 9:00 pm The Labrador Inn
Monday, September 27 Hopedale 2:00 - 4:00 pm
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Amaguk Inn
Tuesday, September 28 St. Anthony 7:00 - 9:00 pm Haven Inn
Wednesday, September 29 Port Hope Simpson 7:00 - 9:00 pm Alexis Motel

2010 09 03                                                           10:15 a.m.

 


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