In Canada, the provinces are responsible for education. This article describes the approach that Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has taken to implement a new vision for early learning including universal full-day kindergarten for all children aged four and five and modernizing the province’s childcare system. This new vision is based on the current neuroscience, child development research and international promising practices in early childhood education and care. The article chronicles the progress that has been made from 2009 to the present in implementing full-day kindergarten and provides an update about the current status of Ontario’s childcare modernization activities.
Abstract Early Learning Vision Based on International Research and Promising Practices Vision Answers the Question? What is the Purpose of Early Learning? Making the Case for Early Learning during a Difficult Economy Early Learning is about Improving Human Development Phased-in Approach Encourages Collaboration New Governance Structure Brings Childcare and Kindergarten Together Modernizing Childcare as a Top Priority for Ontario Sharing Promising Practices via Council of Ministers of Education, Canada Full-day kindergarten in Ontario at a Glance Childcare in Ontario at a Glance Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, Statement on Play-Based Learning References
