Excerpts from press release:

New curriculum is available for early childhood educators to support young children, from infancy to school entry, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Alan McIsaac.

"During the early years, children have an incredible capacity to grow and learn," said Minister McIsaac. "The Prince Edward Island Early Learning Framework provides early childhood educators with a consistent framework on how to maximize learning opportunities for children with every experience, interaction and observation they make."

The development of the early learning curriculum framework was led by a national expert in early childhood education and was guided by the Early Learning Framework Advisory Committee. This committee included representatives from Early Years Centres, faculty from Holland College, College Acadie and the University of Prince Edward Island. It also included the Early Childhood Development Association, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development staff, and expert advisors. The Early Learning Framework addresses a recommendation from the Preschool Excellence Initiative.

The framework is designed to allow early childhood educators to create learning environments for children that are relevant to their communities, respectful of Prince Edward Island's diverse cultures and languages, and appropriate for children of all abilities.

"I would like to recognize the committee for their hard work in developing this document, and I would also like to thank early childhood educators who provided valuable input," said Minister McIsaac.

The framework is being implemented in all Early Years Centres across the province.