Categories: PressReleases
Date: Sep 9, 2011
Title: Liberal Education Plan for Education and Early Learning Promotes Access and Quality Programs
Province-wide access to new educational programs is the cornerstone of the Island plan for education, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“Education is the key to our future - and the emphasis we have placed on programs will continue if the Liberal Team is offered the privilege of governing for the next four years,” the Premier said.
“Over the past four years, the Provincial Government has dedicated a tremendous amount of effort to the modernization of our education system. The plan we are outlining today builds on our successes - and will offer new supports to young Islanders and their families.” Island children and their families will see significant new improvements to educational programs in the next several years, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
The Liberal Plan for Education begins at birth - and extends through Grade-12, the Premier said.
“When you couple this plan with our program for higher education, it is clear that the Liberal commitment is to a lifetime of education.”
The main elements of the Liberal Plan include:
Expand Access to Early Learning: Liberals are proposing to fund 50 Early Years Centres, with spaces increasing to 2150. These additional investments will be made to ensure centres for all areas of the Island. In addition, transitional funding for non Early Years Centres will be maintained.
Increased Infant Care Spaces: Liberals are proposing to invest in new infant care spaces to address existing shortages.
Extend the Best Start Program: Eligibility for the Best Start Program will be available to children up to 3-years - from the current 2.
Expanded Applied Technology Program: The Liberals propose to expand applied technology programming aimed at high school students which will better integrate young Islanders into
existing skills- and technology-oriented employment - and post-secondary education. The target
date for implementation of the new, expanded province-wide program is September 2013.
National Leadership in Student-Teacher Ratios: The current student-teacher is in the top tier of Canadian provinces. In spite of declining enrolment, the Liberals plan to maintain or improve that ratio - and ensure that our leadership position remains intact.
International Baccalaureate Programs: Liberals will ensure broader, Island wide opportunities for high school students to access advanced academic programing.
Improve Access to Educational Professionals: Investments in access to school psychologists, speech language pathologists, audiologists and occupational therapists will grow by $500,000 over the next four years.
New Investment in Resource Teachers: New resource teachers will be hired to provide remedial supports to children requiring extra help, with a priority in high school mathand literacy. In addition, existing resource teachers will be provided with expanded professional development opportunities through the University of Prince Edward Island.
“The Liberal Team is very proud of its record in education,” Premier Ghiz said. “The introduction of kindergarten, the creation of Early Years Centres and continued support for educators is a fundamental part of our plan - and we have consistently followed a direction of access and quality.”
Contact: Jamie MacPhail
Title: Leader’s Tour
Phone: (902) 394-6807
E-mail: jamie@liberal.pe.ca