ETFO Positions

Full-Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program (FDK)

In September 2010, Ontario launched the first phase of the 
Full-Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program (FDK), an 
exciting new initiative for kindergarten-aged children that will 
be fully implemented during the 2014-2015 school year. The 
program is staffed by certified teachers and designated early 
childhood educators (DECEs), with both professionals bringing 
complementary knowledge and skills to the classroom. It is based 
on a developmentally appropriate, play-based approach to early 
childhood education. This plan brings Ontario more in line with 
other industrialized countries that have a strong commitment 
to the education and development of young children. ETFO 
welcomes this plan to provide full-day kindergarten programs 
for four- and five-year-olds taught by qualified teachers and early 
childhood educators.

Preparing 

our children 

for a 

bright future

Why full-day kindergarten matters

480 University Avenue, Suite 1000

Toronto, ON  M5G 1V2

Tel: 416-962-3836

Toll-free: 1-888-838-3836

Fax: 416-642-2424

www.etfo.ca

For more information 
go to etfo.ca

• Skilled, well-educated people are critical

for Ontario’s economic prosperity. Full-day 
kindergarten is an important step forward in
helping our children – and our province – meet 
the challenges of the 21st century.

• Full-day kindergarten gives teachers time to give

children individual attention. It gives children 
time to develop academic and social skills. 

• Full-day kindergarten gives all children a chance to

bloom and become the best learners they can be.

Preparing 

our children 

for a 

bright future

Full-day kindergarten matters

“A preschool model 
based on playful 
learning might do 
even more than 
buttress outcomes.
It might also better 
prepare students to 
be lifelong learners 
who will eventually 
enter a world that is 
increasingly relying 
on global, socially 
sensitive and 
flexible thinkers.”

Hirsh-Pasek, Golinkoff,  

Berk and Singer

25

WELCOME TO THE  

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 

2014-2015

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