Parents of children who are starting kindergarten or Grade 1 this fall are asked to register their children immediately, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Gerard Greenan.
“While many children are already registered, we believe there is a substantial number of children who are still not registered,” said the minister. “Parents are urged to do so immediately to ensure that all children have a smooth transition into kindergarten or Grade 1.”
Minister Greenan said schools do a great deal of preparation to welcome new students, and even more planning is required this year when both kindergarten and Grade 1 students will start at the same time. “For example, a school that now has 13 kindergarten students registered would only need one kindergarten teacher; however if registrations rise, a second teacher would be required and potentially more space as well,” he said. “Although it is possible to hire late in the school year, existing kindergarten teachers need to know now whether they should register for the new B.Ed. program at UPEI and we would like them to attend orientation programs in the spring.”
The number of students in a school also affects the amount of classroom space, materials, equipment and furniture needed. Special requirements such as assistive technology must be planned for and transportation routes must be determined based on the number and addresses of students. Specialty classes such as physical education and music are scheduled according to the number of students in the school. “We prefer not to have to do all this at the last minute because we want all children to arrive in a prepared and welcoming learning space,” said Minister Greenan.
To register children for kindergarten or Grade 1, parents or guardians should call or visit their local elementary school or school board office immediately. Proof of the child’s age (birth certificate) and the child’s permanent address is required. It is not necessary to bring the child to the registration.
If parents are not sure which school their child will attend, they should call their school board office.
Orientation sessions for all students entering kindergarten and Grade 1 will be offered at each school in the spring. Children born in 2005 may begin kindergarten in 2010. Children born in 2004 may begin Grade 1 in 2010.
For more information on kindergarten visit the Kindergarten Transition web page at www.edu.pe.ca.