Peel school board director to lead province's early learning effort
September 28, 2009
Kristin Rushowy
EDUCATION REPORTER
Jim Grieve, director of the Peel public school board since 2002, is leaving to head up the provincial government's early learning initiative.
Grieve, who began his career as a teacher in Brampton, will be an assistant deputy minister in charge of developing and implementing full-day learning for 4- and 5-year-olds, as recommended by early learning adviser Charles Pascal.
"This is so exciting," Grieve said last Friday. "I've spent the last 15 years advocating for early childhood development."
The province plans to phase in full-day learning starting next September.
"It's going to take time to do it," Grieve said.
"But we'll get there. There's a total vision, and it's firm."
Apart from full-day learning for kindergarten students, Pascal has also recommended that schools provide before- and after-school care for students ages 4 to 12, as well as summer programs. School should also become "community hubs," offering services and pre- and postnatal support for families.
Several Peel schools already do that.
"You can really make a huge, profound difference, much faster and with a greater rate of return, if you get (families) involved before children are 4," Grieve said, adding that "all eyes are on Ontario" as it brings in changes seen nowhere else in North America.
On a personal note, Grieve pointed out that his family too is deeply interested in early learning - his wife and two adult children are kindergarten teachers.
"I said the other night, 'Now we are all going to be involved in kindergarten.'"
More on this story:
Budget clouds early learning plans
Province on verge of giving in to teachers
Read more about the Pascal report on our special early learning page
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