Implementing Early Learning

The President's Address - April 16, 2010

For the past few months ETFO has been focusing on the early learning program and how it will be implemented.

We have a long history of supporting a full-day, play-based  kindergarten program but we know that there will be challenges as it unfolds.

I’m Sam Hammond, president of ETFO.

Last spring, after the province’s  early learning advisor issued his report, ETFO’s goal was to ensure that teachers would deliver this new program. 

We worked hard to convince the government that there had to be a full-time teacher in each classroom.  Eventually, the government listened.

Each early learning classroom will have a full-time teacher as well as an early childhood educator.
 
In February  we were confronted with new challenges when the government introduced the legislation  that supports the early learning program. For us it was critical that the legislation clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of teachers and ECEs. 

It had to lay the ground work for a positive partnership between both professionals.

Over the past several weeks, we have focused on amendments to the proposed bill and I am pleased to say that these  efforts have  paid off.

The  bill was changed to ensure teachers have overall responsibility for the classroom.

But our work is far from done. 

A number of outstanding issues must be resolved as we move towards the start of the new program in  September. I want you to know that ETFO will continue to work to protect your interests.

We will continue to lobby the government and do whatever is necessary to seek solutions at the provincial level before problems crop up locally.

We will defend our collective agreements and work to ensure that these early learning classes are not the largest ones in the education system.

Over the next few weeks, the ETFO vice presidents and I will be travelling around the province to speak with you directly.

We will bring you the latest information.  We also want to hear from you.

We want to hear your issues and concerns so we can put them front and center in future discussions with the provincial government. 

I encourage all ETFO members currently teaching kindergarten and those interested in the new program  to attend these local meetings.

Check out the calendar on our website and call your local for further information.
 
Our e-newsletter and our website will continue to provide you with information as we receive it.

ETFO fully supports the new early learning program. We will be working to ensure it is a success.  I am confident that with your support we can resolve the challenges it presents.