Many parents, early learning providers and advocates have serious concerns that the Ontario Government's Early Learning Program announced last October, does not provide extended care services on non-school days.

After some pressure from parents and ECE programs, the Early Years Division recognizes that not offering summer programming is hugely problematic for children and families. However their directives to school boards have not been clear, and many school boards are unsure of their responsibilities.

A memo released on January 13, 2010, by Jim Grieve, Assistant Deputy Minister of Education - Early Learning Division, to Directors of Educationreads:

"Boards that have the capacity and the parent demand are called upon to provide extended services at other times of the year for children age six to twelve years old. This could include PD Days, holidays, and the summer.

Where there is sufficient parent demand and board capacity, school boards are called upon to provide extended services, for a reasonable fee, at other times of the year for four and five year olds under the guidance of the school year early childhood educators. This could include summertime, PD Days, and statutory holidays."

The AECEO is pleased to learn the Early Learning Division is addressing this issue but recognizes that parents and early childhood educators have a role to play in advocating for year-round extended day programming.