EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM GUIDE RELEASED DURING EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE MONTH

The Ministry of Education announced the release of the Play and Exploration: Early Learning Program Guide at the Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association annual conference today in Regina. The guide will assist early childhood educators working in various settings to support education through play.

"There is strong research to support the value of investment in early childhood to enhance the economic, social, health and educational well-being of society," Education Minister Ken Krawetz said. "This guide will help early childhood professionals to provide stimulating play experiences for the children in their care."

The primary writer of the guide was Dr. Caroline Krentz, Professor Emerita, University of Regina, and a well respected early childhood educator across Canada. The guide targets programs serving three, four and five-year-old children including licensed child care facilities, prekindergartens, preschools and other early childhood programs.

The guide was introduced at the conference by Deputy Minister of Education, Audrey Roadhouse, who noted it is soundly based in early childhood education research and practice. It also reflects recent literature and initiatives that are influencing jurisdictions around the world.

The guide was recently distributed to the early learning and child care sector and education system.

"The guide's principles will also form the foundation for the renewed Kindergarten curriculum, which will be released in the Fall of 2008," Krawetz said. "This linkage is an important step as we work to create greater cohesion between the early learning and child care sector and the PreK-12 education system."

For more information, contact:

Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jmclean@sasked.gov.sk.ca