Hon. Doug Currie
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

Working Toward Strengthening Our Island Communities

I am pleased to outline my department’s accomplishments over the past two years to improve education and early childhood development in our province.

The year ahead will be a landmark year as we continue to enhance programming and facilities, bring kindergarten into our school system, and develop a new vision for early childhood development in Prince Edward Island.

A Kindergarten Transition Team is working to ensure that the transition of kindergarten to the public school system in September 2010 is positive and seamless.  Training needs are being met through the development of a new Bachelor Degree program for early childhood educators, and an accelerated training program for staff who wish to receive their certification in early childhood education and care.  Action is being taken to ensure that schools have space for kindergarten and they are properly equipped.  Special efforts are being made to ensure that children with special needs will be well supported in a new kindergarten environment.

My government appreciates the vital role of early childhood centres.  We are now working with the early childhood sector, to identify what we want for our young children and how we can best support children in the important early years.

Work continues this year to enhance programming in schools. We are implementing a new mathematics curriculum that provides students with a deeper understanding of math. We are investing in new equipment and technology for high school trades training, science labs and libraries. A new high school scheduling model is offering French first language students more courses and options. New career exploration courses are allowing students to discover their abilities and explore career choices. New enrichment programs are enabling high school students to take on greater academic challenge and to earn university credit while still in school.  Multi-million dollar investments are being made in new school facilities and upgrades.

We look forward to a year that will mark a new era of early learning in our province and continued success for all students. 

Doug Currie
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development