TORONTO – Ontario’s education minister said Friday that a full-day learning program will stay in place for four- and five-year-olds in the province, a commitment made after the government faced backlash for comments that put the future of all-day kindergarten in doubt.
Lisa Thompson did not specify, however, that the current kindergarten model would remain unchanged.
Her late-afternoon statement came after both she and the premier would only guarantee the future of full-day kindergarten for another year when repeatedly asked this week. There was swift criticism from educators, experts and parents, who said full-day kindergarten provides many advantages for children.