PRESS RELEASE

August 20, 2009

Toronto, ON - The full-day of learning for four and five-year-olds outlined in the Early Learning Advisor’s Report is an innovative and progressive concept that fights the status quo and we as a society need to open our minds to a new way of educating our young people, says the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO).

"Dr. Charles Pascal was not talking about kindergarten in his report but rather a new full-day program for four and five-year-olds that incorporates the very best that two professions – early childhood educators and certified teachers – have to offer our young people," affirmed Eduarda Sousa, Executive Director of the AECEO.

"Dr. Pascal himself has said that his report is the enemy of the status quo, and really we are looking at a fundamental shift in early education from what we now know as kindergarten to a comprehensive, integrated child and family service system."

Early childhood educators are uniquely trained and experienced in early childhood development and have complementary skills and experience when paired with certified teachers, who are uniquely qualified to prepare children for success as they enter the primary grades.

"We are looking forward to forging professional relationships with teachers as we move into a new system," says Sousa.

"I have spoken to many parents who have been very happy with pilot programs that feature early childhood educators and teachers working together. I know there are a great number of parents in Ontario who fully support the introduction of a new program for four and five-year-olds that blends the best practices of our professions and provides more opportunity for high quality early learning and care."