**** Education Media Release

EDUCATION/EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT–New School Year, More Supports for Students
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Thousands of new and returning students across the province will benefit from greater access to programs and services this year
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“The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for students and families,” said Zach Churchill, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “I want to wish our new and returning students, teachers and school staff a school year filled with learning, fun and success.”
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As part of the new model of inclusive education in the province, 173 more inclusive education specialists, teachers and non-teaching staff will bring the total number of new supports to 364.
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Two programs will also be rolled out provincewide. Reading Recovery helps children in Grade 1 who are struggling significantly with reading and writing by working with a reading recovery teacher and one-on-one lessons. SchoolsPlus helps students and families access various supports including mental health services.
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In addition, the Pre-primary Program will be available in 201 school communities this fall. Busing for eligible pre-primary children and the Nova Scotia Before and After Program will be available in some pre-primary locations this year.

Quick Facts:
— government has invested $30 million over the past two years to support 364 inclusive education specialists
​ — all schools with a Grade 1 class will have access to the Reading Recovery program
​ — the Nova Scotia Before and After Program, for children and students from pre-primary to Grade 6, is available at 42 locations this fall
​ — bus service is being offered to eligible pre-primary children at 56 sites this fall and will be available provincewide in September 2020