B.C. resurrects plan for all-day kindergarten
Vancouver Island Central
By Jenn Marshall - Nanaimo News Bulletin
August 26, 2009

Nanaimo education officials are excited about the prospect of offering full-day kindergarten for five-year-olds next fall, but stress that adequate funds are needed.

… “It couldn’t be more timely because we just opened up the consultation process,” said Allen. “All-day kindergarten is a major piece of how facilities will run.”

She said school districts have been underfunded for other programs, such as the StrongStart Early Learning Centres.

Trustee David Murchie said a full-day program will help prepare students for Grade 1.

“Kindergarten is not daycare and it’s not learning to read and write, it’s about learning the social behaviour skills to function in a classroom,” he said. “I think it’s good news for the district because we’re trying to improve student performance.”

Murchie experienced first-hand the logistical nightmare of putting a child through half-day kindergarten. While he and his wife took time off work last year to be available to drop off and pick up their youngest son, not all families have that option.

Mike Munro, Nanaimo school district superintendent, said a key feature in the success of an all-day program is commitment of the additional funds needed.

He said the district will need additional staff and while many schools have the space to accommodate the program, some renovations or additions will be needed.

Kip Wood, president of Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association, said he would rather see the rest of the education system adequately funded before adding more programs….