In the 2008 Throne Speech, the B.C. government made a commitment to "assess the feasibility and costs of full school day kindergarten for five-year-olds." It also promised to "undertake a feasibility study of providing parents with the choice of day-long kindergarten for four-year-olds by 2010, and for three-year-olds by 2012."
The feasibility study began in spring 2008. It includes consideration of available research findings as well as an analysis of costs in areas including capital, operating and human resources.
B.C.'s Early Childhood Learning Agency is also gathering views and opinions from a wide range of groups and individuals to help ensure the government's actions are aligned with British Columbians' needs and priorities. As part of the process a consultation paper was developed by the B.C. Early Childhood Learning Agency to encourage a dialogue and elicit views from a wide range of people and organizations on the expansion of early learning programs in British Columbia.
Submissions by the Coalition of Child Care Advocates (CCCABC) and other child care organizations in B.C. in response to the consultation paper and request for public feedback can be accessed through the link above. The link is directed to the website and the submissions can be accessed beneath the heading 'Other New Items'
The last date for public feedback has been extended from July 18, 2008 to August 15, 2008.