EXCERPTS
There are some dollars and cents concerns associated with the provincial directive to incorporate early childhood learning and care centres in Ontario's publicly funded schools.
Kenora council endorsed Monday a Kenora District Services Board resolution calling on the Ministry of Education to ensure funding for renovations, upgrades and new construction is in place to accommodate the centres at existing and new schools.
The KDSB resolution follows the April 2010 announcement of the provincial government's intention to transfer responsibility for child care from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to the Ministry of Education.
Council noted since the introduction of the Best Start Initiative in 2004, the government expects all new child care spaces created in the province to be located in Ontario schools. Although the KDSB supports locating Early Learning and Care Centres in schools, it contends the Ministry of Education has not provided capital funds for alterations or renovations to existing schools or in plans for new schools. Examples cited included the new Riverview School currently under construction in Dryden and the new school planned for Kenora which do not include provisions for Early Learning and Child Care Centres.
The KDSB believes the lack of funding is not in the best interests of children and is contrary to the Ministry of Education's vision to create the best opportunities to learn.
-reprinted from the Kenora Daily Miner & News