FAQ

A: Because of the extended day component of the program (before and after school), a teacher will be working with two early childhood educators each day. Both teachers and early childhood educators working in the ELP bring specific knowledge and expertise that will, ideally, be blended to create a nurturing learning environment for students. Both types of educator will work together to plan programs that meet the developmental needs of the students and document their progress and development.
 
The legislation outlines a shared responsibility for such activities as planning and delivery of the JK/K program, assessment and observation of pupils, and communications with families. However, teachers will have some duties that early childhood educators will not. The legislation, as amended, stipulates that teachers will have overall responsibility for preparing the fall progress reports and formal report cards to parents, instruction, training and evaluation of the progress of kindergarten pupils, management of the kindergarten classes, and preparation of teaching plans.

The teacher will not be in a supervisory role with respect to the early childhood educators working in the same classroom. Instead, both types of educator would be under the supervision of the principal. The provisions of existing teacher collective agreements will also have an impact on some aspects of how the day-to-day work of the Early Learning Program is conducted.