Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program Consultations

The province is committed to implementing a universal pre-kindergarten program for all Island four-year-old children. Access to high quality early learning and child care experiences helps to build a strong foundation for a healthy start in life. 

Expanding early learning and child care on Prince Edward Island with a universal, pre-kindergarten program, creates the opportunity to bring children together and to further support the child’s overall development and fosters an interest in learning. 

Government will work collaboratively with the early learning and child care sector, parents, and communities to build upon the existing program and establish core standards and guidelines needed to successfully deliver a quality program for Island children. 

What is the universal pre-kindergarten program?

Pre-Kindergarten will be an optional play-based program for all Island four-year-old children. The program will be free of charge and offered 15 hours a week out of licensed early childhood centres.

Pre-Kindergarten educators will support the children’s transition to kindergarten by developing a portfolio for each child which will highlight their overall development.

Most Island four-year-old children already attend an early childhood center providing pre-kindergarten.  By providing increased access we anticipate other families will take advantage of this early childhood program for their children.

Over the next year, pre-kindergarten program development will continue, including establishing additional spaces as needed. 

How do families benefit?

Providing access to high quality early childhood experiences for all children through a universal pre-kindergarten program will support a child’s over all development thus making the transition to kindergarten and public school easier.  

The experiences a child will have will support their overall development. Through a play based program children will have the opportunity to work and play together which will support their social development, creativity, language development, problem solving and thinking skills, motor skills and general knowledge, resulting in a smoother transition to public kindergarten. 

Pre-kindergarten will be offered at no charge to Island families — a core program of 15 hours a week will be funded for parents.  Fees for additional early learning and child care services will apply. 

While the Province of Prince Edward Island is offering a universal pre-kindergarten program, families who are not already registered in a licensed early childhood centre still need to register. These families will need to register their child on the PEI Early Childhood Registry and are encouraged to follow up with an early childhood centre in their community.

Children who will be turning four by December 31, 2021 can be registered for the pre-kindergarten program this fall.

Share your ideas

We encourage you to share your ideas to help shape a quality pre-kindergarten program for Island children. 

Online Survey

Please fill out the only survey here. 

The online survey will be available until April 9, 2021.

The Government of Prince Edward Island will not collect, use, or disclose personal information using QuestionPro. Be aware however, that IP addresses are collected by QuestionPro itself, and these IP addresses and other information collected will be stored on QuestionPro’s Canadian servers. This survey is voluntary and a response is encouraged but not required. 

Do not provide any third party information (i.e. talk about others) in your survey response. 

Written Submissions

Written comments can be submitted by email to prekindergarten@gov.pe.ca or mailed to the address found at the bottom of the page.

Written submissions will be accepted until April 9, 2021.

Virtual Town Hall Meetings

Mar 23, 7-9 pm: Early Childhood Educators (English)
Mar 24, 7-9 pm: Early Childhood Educators (French)
Mar 30, 7-9 pm: Parents (English)
Mar 31, 7-9 pm: Parents (French)

Please register for the town hall by emailing prekindergarten@gov.pe.ca. In your email, please indicate which session you would like to attend. 

The Children’s Voice

The PEI Early Childhood Division staff will visit centres across the Island to speak with children and gather their thoughts.  

Contact 

Universal Pre-Kindergarten Public Consultations
Department of Education and Lifelong Learning
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
Attention: Anne Rooban