Ministry unclear in push for all-day kindergarten: NV school district
North Shore Outlook
Kelly McManus
October 28, 2009

North Van school district officials say they’re concerned the education ministry hasn’t supplied clear direction in the push for all-day kindergarten….

Lewis said the ministry hasn’t outlined how districts should prioritize students and schools.

According to the ministry’s request, said Lewis, there will be no guarantee at-risk students – a target group for all-day kindergarten – will get priority placement, and school catchment lines and school capacities may have to be shuffled.

“It’s a very challenging situation that’s going to require some sensitivity,” he said.

The board expects to “subsidize” the push for all-day kindergarten to the tune of $150,000, in addition to losing the revenue from its Inspirations 44 program, a fee-based all-day kindergarten class. That program also serves special needs, ESL and Aboriginal learners at no cost to families.

“Typically whenever there’s been an expanded mandate (from the ministry) the funds are not enough to develop the program,” explained Lewis, adding he was unsure how the ministry plans to distribute the money – between $37- and $44-million – it has promised to pump into all-day kindergarten in B.C. next year….

A working group of teachers, school administrators, district staff and trustee Linda Buchanan identified 34 special needs, Aboriginal and ESL students who should receive priority placement….