The Early Learning Program

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board will begin to provide a full day of learning to four- and five-year-olds at Pinewood School in Dryden and Evergreen Public School in Kenora as of September 2010. The program will be phased-in over time, with full implementation to occur in all publicly-funded schools in Ontario by the 2015-2016 school year.

The Early Learning Program supports students in two ways:

1. Teachers and early childhood educators work together to
   help students learn during the regular school day; and


2. Schools will also offer before and after school programming led by registered early childhood educators that will run from 7:00 – 8:40am and 3:10 – 6:00pm daily.

*Before and after school programming is contingent on sufficient enrolment. There will be a reasonable fee for these programs, and subsidies will be available for some families, based on financial need. Fees are determined locally by boards.

**Before and after school programs will ot be offered during school holidays.

Supporting Our Youngest Learners

A new curriculum, based largely on existing kindergarten and early learning programs, is being developed for full-day learning. It will guide instruction during the regular school day and outline how the before- and after-school programs will complement what children learn and do during the regular day.

Full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds will support students by providing a stronger start on learning. The before and after school program will complement what happens during the regular school day.

Qualified instructors

The before and after school program will be led by registered early childhood educators, who will also work alongside teachers during the regular school day. There will be a ratio of one early childhood educator for every 13 children. If there are more than 13 children enrolled in the extended-day program, a second adult will support the early childhood educator.

Registering for the Early Learning Program

Children born in 2006 can start kindergarten in September 2010. Children of English Public school supporters who live within the attendance boundary of schools hosting the full day learning will be given priority to take part in the program. Schools may accept registration forms for students who live outside the school’s boundary however, those students will be able to take part in the program only if there is room in the classroom and will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. This may mean student’s names are placed on a waiting list.

Registration for the Early Learning Program begins in February 2010. Parents/guardians may contact the school’s office to register their child using the school’s kindergarten registration process. The following information is required to register a student for kindergarten:

1. Student’s Age (birth certificate, baptismal record or passport)


2. Student’s Address (two pieces of identification – utility bill, driver’s licence, etc.)


3. Student’s Immunization Record

For more information, please visit http://www.edu.gov.on.ca or contact the Dryden Board Office at (807) 223-5311 extension 247 or toll free at 1-877-287-5430 extension 247.