April 2010 Update: Commonly asked questions concerning the full-day ELP

I need to make arrangements for before and after school care for my child. When will I know if there will be an “extended day” program at my child’s school?
All registered ELP parents have been mailed more information about the “extended day” program.  The information was mailed on April 7, 2010.  Parents are asked to inform us of their interest in an “Extended Care Program” by filling out the enclosed registration form and returning it by April 23, 2010. 

Note: Parent interest will determine whether an “Extended Care Program” will be offered at the ELP schools. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the “Extended Care” program will be offered all ELP schools.  Parents are advised not to make changes to their child care arrangements until the Extended Care program locations have been finalized.   These decisions will be communicated by May 14th.

I need more information about how the Early Learning Program will work.
The Halton District School Board has scheduled parent information sessions about the full-day every day Kindergarten program in the Spring.

Attend a meeting at the school most convenient for you:

• Milton – May 11,  7- 8 p.m.
Escarpment View Public School 
361 Scott Blvd, Milton   L9T 0T1

• Burlington – May 12,  7- 8 p.m.
Mohawk Gardens Public School 
5280 Spruce Ave, Burlington   L7L 1N3

• Oakville – May 13,   7- 8 p.m.
Abbey Lane Public School
1160 Old Abbey Lane, Oakville   L6M 1S4

I have older children in the school, will they be able to attend the “Extended Care” program too? The Halton District School Board will only be offering Extended Care for JK and SK students (4 and 5 year olds).  Most schools have other day care providers offering care for 6 to 12 year olds operating in their building.  Contact information for these providers is available at the school office.

I understand there is a new Kindergarten curriculum document from the Ministry of Education – when will that document be shared with parents?
We are hoping that this document will be made available to school boards in the near future, and that we will be able to share some of the details at the parent information nights in May.

My child still naps in the afternoon – will there by a ‘nap time’ for the children attending the full-day program?
‘Nap time’ will not be part of the Early Learning Program.  However, there will be periods of time when children are less active during the school day.

I don’t live within the boundary of any of the ELP schools, so I’ve applied for “Optional Attendance”. When will I know if my child gets to attend?
A lottery will be used to determine the wait list for each school’s Early Learning Program. Each ELP school will conduct a lottery on Friday, May 14, 2010.  Parents will be notified (by letter) shortly afterwards of their position on the ELP wait list for that school.   The Principal and a member(s) of the School Council will conduct these lotteries.  These wait lists will not be considered until after the third week in September.  Therefore parents will not be informed if their request for optional attendance at an ELP school has been approved until after the third week in September.