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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