INSIDE SPREAD

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DESIGNATED EARLY CHILDHOOD 

EDUCATORS

• Have a specialized focus on the learning needs  

of young children aged birth to five.

• Study child development, socio-emotional skills  

and developmental psychology.

• Have knowledge of developmentally-appropriate 

practice for play-based inquiry learning.

• Graduate from community college  

or university. 

• Are registered with the College of  

Early Childhood Educators.

KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS

• Are trained to teach across the grades  

and across the continuum of learning. 

• Understand how Kindergarten  

program expectations link to later  
elementary grades.

• Have ultimate responsibility for  

evaluation and reporting.

• Graduate from university and a faculty  

of education.

• Are registered with the Ontario College  

of Teachers.

PLAY-BASED LEARNING

Another valuable aspect of Ontario’s Kindergarten 

program is play-based learning. 

Children learn through play and inquiry. They build on their 

natural curiosity through guided exploration, investigation 
and communication.

The teacher-DECE staffing model enriches this  

play-based learning. 

“Play nourishes every aspect of children’s development – 

 it forms the foundation of intellectual, social, physical 

and emotional skills necessary for success in school  
and in life.” 

Canadian Council on Learning

UNIQUE STAFFING MODEL

In Kindergarten, the classroom teacher and DECE work  
as a team bringing the program to life. 

One of the most valuable aspects of Ontario’s 

Kindergarten program is its staffing model. Children 
benefit by having both a DECE and a teacher in the 
classroom. These two professionals work together to  
give students the best possible start in school.  

The Kindergarten team keeps learning child-centred  

and play-based. Both professionals observe, assess and 
assist each child in their classroom. Both undertake 
ongoing professional learning to enhance their skills.  
Both communicate with parents and caregivers. 

Each professional also brings their specials skills to  
the Kindergarten program.

KINDERGARTEN

  

A unique program  

A unique partnership