The Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) has found out which of its schools will have preschool classes for four-year-olds added to its curriculum.
READ MORE: Quebec government pushes on with plan to enroll 4-year-olds in preschool
The schools that Quebec’s Education Ministry have pinpointed are:
- Allion Elementary
- Children’s World Academy
- Sunshine Academy
- Springdale Elementary
- LaSalle Elementary Junior
- Maple Grove Elementary
- Verdun Elementary
- Riverview Elementary
“This list is not by any means the final result, as the ministry is allowing us the flexibility and latitude to address the needs in a fashion that best meets the needs of the system,” said Jim Hendry, the school board’s spokesperson.
“There may be the flexibility to expand or contract areas on our territory to meet the demands.”
The Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ)’s plan to add more preschool classes to elementary schools this fall has been met with controversy — in particular, whether schools will have the space to let in hundreds of four-year-olds.
WATCH BELOW: What are the advantages of starting kindergarten at the age of four?
On its end, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) said it is not ready to reveal any information about which of its school will be affected by the preschool program as it is still in talks with the ministry.
READ MORE: Quebec government accused of trying to dismantle daycare system by employees
Earlier this month, EMSB Chairperson Angela Mancini argued the English board’s schools in the island’s west-end are already over capacity — some at 120 per cent.
WATCH BELOW: Quebec announces investment in early childhood education
“There’s a concern within the province and within the educational system that we are creating pre-k’s at a time when the space is not available,” Mancini told Global News at the time.
She notes that schools in the city’s east do have some space.
WATCH BELOW: Quebec subsidized daycares, a model to emulate?
Quebec Education Minister Jean-François Roberge tabled Bill 5 on Feb. 14, noting it will not be obligatory for all parents to send their four-year-olds to preschool.
READ MORE: Quebec re-invests in daycare and kindergarten
The option to send four-year-olds to preschool is expected to expand in the 2020-2021 school year.
READ MORE: Quebec government needs to intervene to increase graduation rate: expert
The government’s long-term goal is to make four-year-old preschool accessible to all parents within the next five years.
WATCH BELOW: Russell Copeman on Quebec’s plan to extend kindergarten to four-year-olds
Comments