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BURNABY— CUPE locals and members still have time to make their voices heard on full day kindergarten for three to five-year old children in B.C.

Last spring, the Ministry of Education established the Early Childhood Learning Agency to consult with the public about full-day kindergarten for children aged three to five. The consultation date was originally in July, but has been extended to August 15th.

CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill recently wrote to all CUPE BC locals and district councils asking CUPE members and locals to participate in this consultation process so that the government can see the huge demand for early learning in this province.

In his letter, O’Neill talks about the importance of providing free all-day kindergarten in B.C. public schools for children aged three to five and he outlines CUPE BC’s guiding principles, including:

  • the program should be universal, free of charge and optional
  • full provincial funding to school districts for all-day kindergarten and wrap-around child care (care before and after school hours)
  • no contracting out (or sub-contracting) to “Big Box” daycare multinationals and other private operators
  • converting elementary school classrooms into “play-based” settings, with early childhood educators, certified teachers and educational assistants providing the curriculum
  • a transition period of three to five years to allow child care workers without certificates to upgrade their credentials
  • adequate provincial funding for early learning for children with special needs
  • full accessibility for children in rural communities.
O’Neill urges CUPE locals and members to have their say and they can do it online by August 15 at the Ministry of Education’s site.

CUPE locals and members can review CUPE BC’s news release and submission for information and assistance.

Let us know if you make a submission. Send a copy to CUPE research representative rscher@cupe.ca

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