Early Learning




Full-Day Learning for Four- and Five-Year-Olds

Ontario will provide a full day of learning to four- and five-year-olds as part of the province's plan to build a stronger school system and a well-educated workforce. The program will be phased-in over time, starting in September 2010.

Teachers and early childhood educators will work together to help children learn during the regular school day. Schools will also offer extended day programs - before and after regular school hours - led by registered early childhood educators. There will be a reasonable fee for these programs, but subsidies will be available for some families, based on financial need.

Up to 35 ,000 four- and five-year-olds will benefit from the first phase of full-day early learning in September 2010. The program will be expanded in stages and our goal is to have it fully implemented by 2015-16.

Ontario is investing in the education of our youngest students to better prepare them for future success. Full- day early learning will improve their reading, writing and math skills, provide a smoother transition to Grade 1, help more students achieve success at school , and help create a stronger economy for the future.