A better start for B.C. students
Times Colonist (Victoria)
February 14, 2008
Comment

The commitment to consider full-day kindergarten for children as young as three is one of the most exciting and potentially rewarding elements of this week's throne speech. If implemented effectively, the shift could bring great benefits, especially to children currently disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.

The government isn't committed to action. But it will set up a new Early Childhood Learning Agency, which will assess the feasibility and costs of full school day kindergarten. It's to look at providing the option for five-year-olds in time for the 2009 school year. The agency will also report on the feasibility of all-day kindergarten for four-year-olds by 2010 and three-year-olds by 2012.

The benefits of full-day kindergarten for young children have been well-established. The research suggests all students benefit academically, with the greatest improvements seen in children who are at risk -- from poor families, chaotic backgrounds or in care.

… In B.C., about 15 per cent of kindergarten students go all day. The government covers the cost for aboriginal students and those who speak English as a second language. Some districts charge user fees for the programs.

The costs would be significant. But so would the benefits. Giving children a good start increases their chances of academic and social success throughout their education.

The payback would be greatest for disadvantaged students, who are at most risk of stumbling in the early years of school.

That's not surprising. A child who has limited opportunities for the first five years of her life, and then enters Grade 1 with classmates who can already read and know how school works, risks being left behind. And her conclusion is likely to be that she just isn't as smart as the other kids.

That suggests one approach for the agency to consider. If costs are too high to allow a universal program, then all-day kindergarten and preschool should be launched first in areas where the children need it the most -- in First Nations communities, poor neighbourhoods and anywhere elementary school performance falls below the provincial norm.

There is an irony in this. While the government is considering this program, it cut child-care funding by more than $100 million in the current fiscal year, reducing opportunities for families.

But all-day kindergarten and preschool -- along with the growing number of StrongStart B.C. centres helping children prepare for school -- would be a useful step toward a better future for thousands of families.