The following statement was read today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education:

Parent Resource Kits to be Distributed Province-wide

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this House today to note that parent resource kits for children aged 12 and 18 months are now being distributed province-wide as part of the Provincial Government’s Early Childhood Learning Strategy, Learning from the Start.

The investment in a long-term early learning strategy began in 2011, Mr. Speaker, with Phase I of Learning from the Start focusing on initiatives aimed at children from birth to age three. Those first three years were a tremendous success, Mr. Speaker. For example, parent resource kits for infants aged two, four and six months were developed and distributed throughout the province. Kits for toddlers aged 12 and 18 months were piloted for a one-year period, beginning in March 2013 at 20 public health clinic sites. Over 2,500 kits were distributed during this pilot phase, Mr. Speaker. The feedback we have received from parents, caregivers and public health nurses has been outstanding and we continue to hear stories about how these kits, which contain books, CDs, play items and information for parents, are benefiting children and families.

Our early learning initiative also includes a comprehensive website with a host of information on early childhood learning programs and activities such as the Power of Play promotional campaign; Play and Learn Week resources and activities; early literacy programming; an ongoing pilot project centred around a provincial early childhood learning framework, and the Early Development Instrument, or EDI, which measures a child’s readiness for school.

Mr. Speaker, as part of Phase II of Learning from the Start, Budget 2014 provides $4.8 million over three years to continue, and to enhance, the commitment to programs for children from birth to age three, while initiatives for children aged four to six are under development. The development of parent resource kits for children aged 24 and 36 months are nearing completion, and province-wide distribution is anticipated within the year. Phase II of the strategy also includes, of course, an additional $30.6M for the implementation of full-day Kindergarten, beginning in September 2016.

Play-based learning is an essential part of a child’s early development, Mr. Speaker. Since 2011, almost $40 million has now been allocated for early childhood learning initiatives, including full-day Kindergarten. Ultimately, we want to give every child the best possible start in life; to allow them to be healthy, happy, engaged, well-adjusted children who are well-prepared for success in school, in their relationships, and in life.

2014 04 08                                    1:45 p.m.