Full-day kindergarten worthwhile investment
Times Colonist (Victoria)
February 11, 2009
Comment By: Bruce Laurie, principal West-Mont School

Many studies have been done on the different developmental milestones of children under the age of six. One of the key areas of development is language.

As the principal of … school, I see the tremendous changes the children go through in these formative years.

By offering a full-day kindergarten program we, … are able to provide a relaxed and unhurried school day and the opportunity for the child to have a variety of experiences.

Staff are able to take the time to fully observe progress and have quality interaction with their students…

The government said during good times that it would increase the kindergarten program to a full day to improve our children's education. Now that the economics have changed, the public school system has to wait at least another year before the government will consider the full-day opportunity.

The government wants to stimulate the economy -- why not help the children who might end up having to pay off this debt we are charging up?