Early Learning

(Ruth Bredenhof, Bulkley Valley ARPA)

Although temporarily on hold, the BC Government has confirmed that they are committed to extending Early Learning to include full-day kindergarten for five-year-olds, as well as four-year-olds by 2010 and three-year-olds by 2012.¹

National Post Online, April 1, 2009

Charles Pascal, Ontario’s Special Adviser for all-day kindergarten, is soon to release his report on implementing this social mega-project. In B.C., Clyde Hertzman, World Bank consultant and now director of the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP), steers the government’s push for all-day kindergarten for ages 3 to 5. Although politicians endorse Hertzman, the “bold vision” will have to wait. They say we can’t afford it during this recession.

By Andrea Mrozek, Institute of Marriage and Family Canada

Do the high costs associated with universal early learning programs matter? Absolutely. We should indeed question high costs for public programs, in particular when returns are by no means guaranteed. The reality for early learning programs is that other jurisdictions show limited long term positive outcomes for kids. That makes asking cost-benefit questions relevant. (Read the full report here.)

National Post, June 19, 2009

This week in Ontario, Charles Pascal released his report on implementing all-day kindergarten for 3- to 5-year-olds. In B.C., Clyde Hertzman, World Bank consultant and director of the Human Early Learning Partnership, steers the government’s secretive all-day kindergarten scheme despite affordability concerns. Does early learning require this social mega-project? No. The hard peer-reviewed evidence — as opposed to the self-published papers churned out by ideologues — does not show lasting benefits from these mass systems for young children. (Read more:)

Ruth Bredenhof of Bulkley Valley ARPA has written a succint appraisal of the Early Education Issue, as well as a sample letter as an example of how to raise this issue with your MLA. You can find it here.