A recent survey indicates strong support from both parents and teachers for the full-day kindergarten program implemented by the Louis Riel School Division in east Winnipeg a year ago. The division, which accommodates nearly 1,100 kindergarten students, gathered feedback from 60 teachers and 375 parents. Superintendent Christian Michalik highlighted the positive impact observed on kindergarteners, emphasizing the importance of establishing a solid educational foundation.
Results from the survey revealed that over 80 percent of parents held very favorable opinions of full-day kindergarten, with more than two-thirds finding it beneficial for their schedules. Furthermore, 98 percent of parents reported noticeable growth in their children after transitioning to full-time kindergarten.
One parent, Ashley Meyer, shared her daughter Maisie’s success story in the program, emphasizing the significant progress made in developing social relationships and academic skills. Meyer contrasted Maisie’s positive experience with her older son’s challenges in a half-day kindergarten program, citing the relief of having Maisie enrolled in full-time school.
Superintendent Michalik acknowledged the positive impact of increased access to childcare services resulting from the full-day kindergarten initiative. Teachers also noted improvements in early literacy and numeracy skills among students. Xiaoxiao Du, an education professor at the University of Manitoba, highlighted the diverse educational opportunities full-day kindergarten provides, emphasizing the role of play in enhancing children’s literacy and social-emotional development.
The Louis Riel School Division’s investment of over $2.5 million in universal full-day kindergarten is seen as a significant step towards enhancing early childhood education in the region. The hope is that other school districts in the province will follow suit in adopting this model. Despite some Manitoba schools offering full-time kindergarten, the province still lacks universal implementation, prompting calls for expansion.
Overall, stakeholders are optimistic about the benefits of full-day kindergarten and advocate for its wider adoption to provide all children with enhanced educational opportunities. Efforts to extend the program’s reach across Manitoba are underway, with the aim of supporting more families and fostering improved early childhood development.
