More than half of the early childhood centres on Prince Edward Island have indicated they would like to transition to an Early Years Centre (EYC) and be part of the Preschool Excellence Initiative, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister, Doug Currie.
“I am very pleased with the response from the sector,” said Mr. Currie. “This shows the confidence that the sector has in the Preschool Excellence Initiative. The plan we have laid out for early learning in our province is a huge step forward and shows that this government is committed to education at all levels. The Preschool Excellence Initiative puts PEI on the leading edge of early learning across the country and it is a plan that will help strengthen our One Island Community and One Island Future for generations to come.”
Centres were asked to submit their preferences in a letter of intent to the province earlier this month and, as of this week, 50 centres have been approved to convert to an EYC. The Preschool Excellence Initiative will implement EYCs across the province in two rounds. The first round will begin this fall and will see 36 centres converting to an EYC.
Over the next week, the first round of successful EYC candidates will meet individually with staff from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. During these meetings, department staff will determine any areas that may need work and come up with a plan to ensure centres meet all requirements to become an EYC. Centers who have been approved to open as EYCs in September will have until mid August to submit a work plan that will detail how they will meet any outstanding requirements.
Operators who have chosen to retire their licenses will be asked to come up with a plan to wind down their business. Part of that plan is a commitment to support the families in their centres to transition to another facility in the area and, where possible, assist staff in locating alternate employment. These operators will not be able to apply to open another centre for at least 5 years.
The remaining centres who have been selected to convert to an EYC in the second round will also be asked to meet with department staff and come up with a plan by mid October that will detail how they will be able to meet all requirements to become an EYC by January 2012.
“It is important for parents to be aware of what the owner of their centre is planning to do,” said Sonya Corrigan, Executive Director with the Early Childhood Development Association. “Centres are being encouraged to let all families know what their plans are as soon as possible. The owners and staff from the centres who will be closing or converting to an EYC will also help families, as much as possible, with any transitions that need to be made.”
The department is aware that this may be a time of uncertainty and change for staff and families and would like to reassure anyone with concerns that every effort is being made to ensure that this transition goes as smoothly as possible. If you have any questions or for more information please call 902-438-4854 or 902-368-6518 or email earlylearning@edu.pe.ca.