From CBC News Website - June 15, 2009
Premier Dalton McGuinty admits it will take longer than planned to implement full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds in Ontario.
McGuinty said Monday the government has allocated $500 million over two years to start phasing in optional all-day kindergarten in 2010.
For the most part, junior kingergarten and senior kindergarten currently run half a day.
The premier admits the plan likely won't be fully implemented in three years as recommended because of the faltering economy, and says he doesn't know how much it will cost.
When pressed, McGuinty said he didn't know the total cost, but admitted it would be "a lot of money."
'A lot of parents are right now running all over the place trying to patch together services they need for their kids and their families.'—Charles Pascal, Ontario government's early learning adviser
McGuinty also says teachers will have to work alongside early childhood education specialists, an idea teachers unions have balked at in the past.
Charles Pascal, the government's early learning adviser, recommends that full-day learning programs for preschoolers start in lower-income neighbourhoods.
McGuinty says that will help address the government's anti-poverty strategy and give children a stronger start to their education.
"This is a good program. I think it is very progressive. I think it is going to put us at the forefront internationally. We give our kids all the opportunities that they need, especially in their early years. And that's the strongest guarantor of a strong economy."
