Full-day kindergarten coming to Whistler
Whistler Question
Jennifer Miller
May 6, 2009

Whistler – Full-day kindergarten is coming to both of Whistler’s elementary schools in September, school district officials confirmed this week.

Dave Walden, chair of the District 48 School Board, told Whistler council Tuesday (May 5) that because of requests from parents, the option of full-day kindergarten will be offered at Myrtle Philip and Spring Creek community schools.

“It’s user-pay for the (extra) half day,” Walden said.

The news was received positively from Councillor Ralph Forsyth, who has been an advocate for child care in Whistler.

“I’m sure that will alleviate some of the stresses on child care the community faces right now,” Forsyth said.

A recent study on child-care needs in Whistler found there are licensed spaces for only 18 per cent of local children from infants to age 12. Significant future demand for additional space was also identified.

Walden said the Minister of Education has said full-day kindergarten is something the ministry is pursuing B.C.-wide, but no announcements have been made to date about province-wide implementation….