On March 23, 2010, President Sam Hammond presented the ETFO brief regarding Bill 242, the Full Day Early Learning Statute Amendment Act, 2010 to the Legislature's Standing Committee on Social Policy. ETFO was one of many organizations involved in an extensive government consultation process and review of the bill. 

On April 27, the Legislature passed the bill, thereby establishing the framework for the Early Learning Program. Liberal and NDP MPPs voted in favour of the bill; PC MPPs voted against.

In response to input from education and community organizations at the committee hearings, the government introduced a number of amendments to the bill—including ones which responded to ETFO's principal concerns.

In its final version, the bill outlines areas of joint responsibility for the teacher and early childhood educator but clearly establishes the teacher's overall responsibility for the classroom.

Now that the legislation has been passed, the way is clear for the Ministry of Education to issue regulations and guidelines that will provide more detail about the Early Learning Program to be launched in September.

Bill 242 with Amendments 

ETFO Brief on Bill 242 - The Full Day Early Learning Statute Amendment Act

ETFO Brief on Bill 242 - The Full Day Early Learning Statute Amendment Act - RTF