Early Learning

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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.

Check to see which schools in your area will offer early learning this September.

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

Up to 35,000 four- and five-year-olds in nearly 600 schools will benefit from the first phase of full-day early learning in September 2010. The program will be expanded in phases. Our goal is to have it fully phased in by 2015-16.

Ontario is investing in the education of its 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.