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Parents now have until Aug. 15 to respond to an online survey about the feasibility of all-day and early kindergarten.
Education Minister Shirley Bond announced the extension Friday.
The eight-page paper explores a 2008 throne speech commitment to explore the possibility of offering full-day kindergarten for five-year-olds and optional full-day pre-kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds. It can be found through a link at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/ecla.
Originally, parents were given until July 18 to respond but the deadline was extended a month due to what the minister called a "terrific response."
"There have been more than 1,300 responses to the Early Childhood Learning Agency's request for input on full-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten," said Bond in a press release. "Many families have told us they want more options and choice for their children, and this is about exploring those options.
"The agency [will continue] to gather views and opinions from a wide range of groups and individuals to help ensure the government's actions are aligned with the needs and priorities that British Columbians have for their children."
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"There's a lot of fear within the early childhood community because we haven't seen [what it will look like] yet," Susan Foster, the Tri-Cities Early Childhood Development co-ordinator, said in an interview earlier this month.
There could be advantages to a government-run early learning program. Wages would likely increase for workers, education opportunities would improve and there would be more respect for people working in the field. As well, a government-funded program would benefit children whose parents would like to put them in early childhood care but can not afford it.
"There's lots of kids that are in sub-standard child care settings or are just sitting at home watching TV," Foster said. "It could help those who are most vulnerable but it depends on what kind of program it is."
Foster added that children learn best by playing with the guidance of a trained adult to help them through conflicts and open up to learning possibilities appropriate to their age and development.
"If they are playing, getting good nutrition and learning... it could actually be great," said Foster.
The concern is about how it might be implemented.
According to Foster any new early learning system would have to be well-funded to ensure quality experiences for children.
In the meantime, parents and child care workers are encouraged to continue sending their input. The ECLA has until the end of the year to report back to the government with its recommendations.
- reprinted from the Tri-City News