Hundreds of four-year-olds will make Nova Scotia history this week as they begin their pre-primary program.
The original commitment of 50 classrooms in 43 locations has been fulfilled. Those classrooms will open by the end of this week. In response to demand, two additional classrooms will open in two additional locations. In all, 52 classrooms are opening in 45 locations. The pre-primary program will eventually be available in communities province-wide by 2020.
“This month, 818 four-year-olds will start a free early learning program that will give them a head start on learning,” said Zach Churchill, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “Once the program is completely rolled out by 2020, I hope to see every four-year-old in the province in a pre-primary classroom.”
The additional classrooms were added in the Halifax Regional School Board and Chignecto-Central Regional School Board. Those classrooms will open mid-October.
“As a professional early childhood educator, I truly believe in my heart that children are capable and confident learners,” said Allison McLeod, early childhood educator. “Our environment becomes a safe place to create, use our imaginations, be curious, make mistakes and realize our full potential. When they enter the primary class in September, they will have the right tools to be fully engaged and successful in their learning.”
“Being involved with early years centres has been great for both my children,” said Mercedes Boutilier, a parent of two children. “Every person I see I’m telling about the pre-primary program and how it will be so beneficial for their child. This program has also opened my eyes to the great experience of working with children. I’m now taking an early learning educator course and looking forward to starting a career someday with this program.”
For more information and to view all locations, parents can visit www.ednet.ns.ca/pre-primary or go to their local school board website.
Source: Release