Teachers Applaud Appointment of Full-Day Learning Advisor

November 27, 2007

The Ontario Government’s appointment today of Dr. Charles Pascal as Special Advisor is a welcome step forward towards implementing Premier McGuinty’s election promise to provide “full-day kindergarten” for four- and five-year olds, say Ontario elementary teachers.

“Dr. Pascal’s extensive experience in education and policy development will serve him well in his task of recommending the most appropriate strategy for making early childhood learning a reality across Ontario,” said David Clegg, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO).

“If properly implemented, the plan to provide full-day programs for kindergarten-aged students will represent an important provincial investment in the long-term learning outcomes for Ontario students,” said Clegg.

“Research has shown that the foundation of a student’s success is developed in the early years.  A full-day kindergarten program that is integrated with child care will substantially strengthen that foundation.  It will provide greater opportunities for learning, as well as more opportunities for teachers to identify and address learning problems and build social skills,” said Clegg.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 73,000 elementary public school teachers and education workers across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.