Full-day kindergarten a go for fall, promises Dale Kirby

Newfoundland and Labrador's minister of education is promising it's full-steam ahead on full-day kindergarten in the province beginning in September.

Dale Kirby took reporters on a tour of a demonstration kindergarten classroom in St. John's on Friday, showing off the various spaces, supplies and decor in a typical school room.

"It's a high priority for government," said Kirby, referring to the province's decision two years ago to move from half-day to full-day kindergarten.

"We consider it to be an investment in students and in the province and we'll be ready for September2016."

The government is spending over $30million to start full-day kindergarten.

About 100 classrooms or schools are being renovated or extended to accommodate the new program and 140 teachers are being added to the system.

"A lot of work has been done already. We have invested millions of dollars over the last couple of years in this project," said Kirby.

Kirby was eager to point out all the amenities in the play-based demo classroom.

Typical kindergarten rooms will include a group area for storytime and sing-a-longs; math and sciencearea featuring blocks and other toys for counting and sorting; a dramatic play area with puppets and dress-up clothes for imaginary play; an art area, writing area and reading area all featuring toys, books and various child-friendly implements to support learning.

The idea is to create a classroom where the environment is like another teacher.

"If you look at the research on full-day kindergarten,we know there are positive academic outcomes," said Kirby.

"There are great outcomes when it comes to writing ability, when it comes to behaviour and socialization. So, a lot of pluses from this investment."

4 demonstration classrooms across province

There are four demonstration kindergarten classrooms across the province in St. John's, central, western and Labrador.

Kirby said the curriculum "Completely Kindergarten" is already available to teachers and there is professional development ongoing with them.

In addition, full-day kindergarten staff is being offered the opportunity to visit one of the demo classrooms.

"Some [teachers] have been in here already and had a look," said Kirby.

"I've spoken to two who've been in here and they're quite impressed with what they see."

"There'll be some growing pains I'm sure, as with any program. But we're very optimistic about where we're headed and we'll be ready for September2016."