PROVINCE INVESTS $885,000 IN 18 NEW PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS

Today at St. Francis Community School in Regina, Education Minister Donna Harpauer announced the Government of Saskatchewan is providing $885,000 to nine school divisions to implement 18 new Prekindergarten programs in ten communities across the province.

"Children and their families benefit from high-quality early learning opportunities, which is why the Government of Saskatchewan has made Prekindergarten a priority," Harpauer said. "Prekindergarten programs have a positive impact on child development, and support early literacy and student achievement."

New Prekindergartens will be located in:

• Saskatoon (St. Mark School, Bishop Klein Elementary School, Sutherland School and W.P. Bate School);
• Regina (Grant Road Elementary School, Marion McVeety Elementary School and St. Matthew Elementary School);
• Prince Albert (W.J. Berezowsky School, John Diefenbaker School and two at École St. Anne);
• Rosetown (Walter Aseltine School);
• Meadow Lake (Jubilee Elementary School and Lakeview Elementary School);
• Jans Bay/Cole Bay (Jans Bay School/Lakeview School); 
• La Loche (La Loche Community School);
• La Ronge (Pre-Cam Community School); and
• Air Ronge (Gordon Denny Community School).

The $885,000 will go toward operating grants for all 18 new programs. This funding also includes one-time grants of $21,540 each for ten of the new programs in new classrooms. The grants help to purchase equipment, furnishings and materials that will enhance early learning.

"Prekindergarten is a place where children engage in active, experiential learning through play," Regina Catholic School Division Prekindergarten & Kindergarten Consultant Diane Diebel said. "The focus is on the healthy development of the whole child - social-emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual. Through meaningful family engagement opportunities, family members and caregivers are active participants with the children."

Prekindergarten is a school-based early learning program for three- and four-year-old children that supports positive early childhood development, early literacy and student achievement. Each half day program serves 16 children and is staffed by a certified teacher and education associate.

This brings the total number of Prekindergarten programs implemented since November 2007 to 75, representing a 45 per cent increase. With the addition of 18 new programs, there are now 230 Prekindergarten programs in Saskatchewan, benefiting approximately 3,680 children.

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For more information, contact:

Sarah Still
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1613
Email: sarah.still@gov.sk.ca