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Ministry of Education

Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-5963

Backgrounders

What people are saying about the Early Learning Framework

Teri Mooring, president, British Columbia Teachers’ Federation —

“The revised Early Learning Framework is an excellent move towards stronger links between early childhood education and the K–12 system. It will create better connections and help smooth out transitions for students by using similar language, communications and strategies. That means better experiences for students, especially those with unique needs. Bringing people together and talking about these issues across the child care, early childhood education and K–12 professions has been an excellent development for all involved.”

Sue Irwin, Vancouver Coastal regional co-ordinator, Child Care Resource and Referral Programs (CCRR) of B.C. —

“The updated Early Learning Framework provides a profound foundation for early childhood educators that CCRRs are honoured to promote and implement. With its Indigenous perspective and inclusivity, the framework fosters quality and rethinking learning and practice that supports all children in their learning and care as capable co-constructors of their environments. CCRRs are excited to embrace the sense of wonder and reflection that pedagogical narration brings, and play a role in building professionalism.”

Colleen Hodgson, director, Ministry of Education, Métis Nation British Columbia —

“Métis Nation British Columbia’s vision for Métis Early Years is that Métis children throughout British Columbia experience a state of well-being that allows them to live healthy and happy lives, and that they realize their full potential as individuals, members of their family, their community, the Métis Nation and as British Columbians. Métis Nation British Columbia and the Province of British Columbia are building a strong government-to-government relationship that is distinctions-based and recognizes the needs and aspirations of Métis children in British Columbia. The revised Early Learning Framework reflects the strength of this relationship and the commitment to our Métis children birth to eight years as they transition from early years to kindergarten.”

Mary Teegee, board president, BC Aboriginal Child Care Society —

“The B.C. Early Learning Framework supports practices that are respectful of Indigenous traditions and rights in early learning and child care, especially in so far as it supports the work taking place in the implementation of the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. In this, it works toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, where our ways of supporting our families and raising our children are paramount.”

Greg Smyth, superintendent of SD 70 (Alberni) —

“The revised Early Learning Framework is exciting for children, educators, families and community partners. It will enable early learning educators in our school district and districts across the province, to have a shared understanding as we work together for children and their families. The inaugural Early Learning Summit is also significant, providing school districts with the opportunity to come together to inspire, share best practices and explore joyful learning opportunities for children.”

David Philpott, faculty of education member, Memorial University —

“I am pleased to be invited to the first Early Learning Summit in B.C., anchoring public policy in research, which is both wise and strategic. Quality early child education optimizes human development and significantly reduces special education needs in children.”  

Angela Clancy, executive director, Family Support Institute of BC —

“The Family Support Institute of BC is pleased with the work put into the Early Learning Framework and how we can better align the early years with the transition of children into school. We are heartened to see the extensive co-ordination and collaboration between stakeholders being placed on making this transition a smooth one for all kids. We are hopeful that the outcomes of the Early Learning Framework will ensure that when kids move from the early years to school, there will have been deep thought put into how we support kids to develop, grow and thrive in school communities that value diversity and belonging for all kids together.”

Andrea Sinclair, president, British Columbia Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) —

“On behalf of parents across the province, BCCPAC has provided input throughout the process of revisions to the Early Learning Framework. We support the direction and focus on children from birth through elementary school. This is a key element needed to ensure a connection with the K-12 curriculum, including respect and support for reconciliation and Indigenous world views. This revised framework has an increased focus on inclusive practices and spaces for all children, including those with diverse abilities. Communication between parents, early childhood educators and elementary school teachers, particularly around early identification of vulnerable students and provision of supports and the allocation of resources, will be critical to ensure every child is welcomed and empowered to pursue their gifts.”

Kim Winchell, director of social impact, United Way of the Lower Mainland —

“Every child in B.C. deserves the chance to start kindergarten with the tools they need to succeed. We’re proud to partner with the Ministry of Education on the innovative Changing Results for Young Children initiative, and to help kids across our province reach their full potential.”

Facts about the Early Learning Framework and programs in B.C.
  • According to the Early Development Instrument, one-third of children enter kindergarten vulnerable in one or more areas such as social or emotional development.
  • The provincial Ready, Set, Learn program provides funding to offer school orientation events for preschoolers (three to five years of age).
  • The provincial StrongStart BC program offers free, daily drop-in programs for families and their preschool aged children.
  • The revised B.C. Early Learning Framework – funded through Childcare BC – is the culmination of a collaborative process that included early childhood educators, primary teachers, academics, Indigenous organizations, Elders, government and other professionals.
  • The Early Learning Framework is mandatory in StrongStart BC centres and is used widely in other settings, including post-secondary training programs for early childhood educators.
  • To support implementation of the new B.C. Early Learning Framework, grants totalling $170,000 will go out to public school districts to support early learning educators at StrongStart BC centres and elementary schools to take part in early learning professional development activities.
  • School districts, local communities and the United Way of the Lower Mainland (UWLM) partner through the Changing Results for Young Children program to offer learning opportunities for education professionals to support social, emotional and learning outcomes for young children and child care in school settings. $350,000 will be divided among the 47 school districts participating in the program in 2019. The UWLM will also receive a grant of $400,000 to support its involvement in the program. 
  • Strengthening Early Years to Kindergarten Transitions is focused on helping school districts develop guidelines, models and partnerships with their local communities to ensure children and their families experience smooth transitions from early years to kindergarten. $360,000 will be divided among the 12 school districts participating in the program in 2019.