Kindergarten idea sparks space concerns
The Daily Courier (Kelowna)
July 31, 2008 
By: Victoria Haldane

Finding adequate space would be just one of the challenges school officials would face if a full-day kindergarten program were implemented in the Central Okanagan.

…. The goal of full-day kindergarten and full-day pre-kindergarten is to provide parents more options on where their children receive care and to offer an integrated system of early learning childcare that is publicly funded.

The issue has sparked controversy, with some people arguing all-day kindergarten is a form of institutionalized day care, which may prove to be more expensive overall and not be the best option for both children and parents. However, many groups support the creation of new early childhood learning programs, as long as they are well executed.

Mike Roberts, superintendent of the Central Okanagan school district, said: "In general terms, the idea of a provincial optional program for preschoolers is one I support. That being said, there are reasons to proceed cautiously.

"There's the need to ensure that parents have a choice . . . we need to respect that," he said, adding, "we do have a lot of young children who are not receiving the enriched environment that could get them ready for school.

"This (early childhood learning) could be a benefit, but it's a matter of how it comes together."

The Child Care Action Team, an umbrella …for child-care providers in Kelowna, responded to the proposed new programs by saying that "parent choice is paramount, early learning programs must be developmentally appropriate and be inclusive so that the needs of all children are taken into account."

Finding room for expanded kindergarten could be difficult.

Many Okanagan elementary schools are already at capacity.

"If this program were to be implemented, one of the biggest challenges for the Central Okanagan would be space. In most of our elementary schools, we just don't have the space," said Roberts.

The action team, in a statement, added: "Adequate space for play, napping, meals and outdoor play is required for day programs. School classrooms do not have the space or atmosphere needed to provide these activities."

Also, the action team noted that "quality learning environments require qualified early childhood educators . . . currently, there is a real shortage of early childhood educators."

B.C. isn't the only province looking into early learning child care. Quebec has a universal child-care system, Manitoba is planning increases in the number of child-care spaces, centres and new nursery schools, and Ontario already has a half-day junior kindergarten program and is looking into full-day kindergarten for four- and five-year-olds.