Prince Edward Island Preschool Excellence Initiative

PURPOSE: To revitalize the early childhood system.

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MINISTRY

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Departments of Innovation and Advanced Learning; and Education and Early Childhood Development, Government of Prince Edward Island

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DESCRIPTION

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In May 2010, the Government of Prince Edward Island launched the PEI Preschool Excellence Initiative.

This Initiative supports a comprehensive plan to build a provincial early childhood system to better prepare Island children for Kindergarten. The Preschool Excellence Initiative also supports training and skill enhancement for employees working in regulated Early Years Centres who do not possess credentials in early childhood education.

In 2010, uncertified employees working in regulated early learning centres participated in part time entry-level skills training program. The purpose of the entry level training was to support employees who did not possess postsecondary education in early childhood education, by providing baseline training while employees continued to work full-time in a regulated early childhood centre.

Following the completion of the entry-level skills training program, in 2012 eligible employees enrolled in a one-year certificate program in Early Childhood Care and Education. The certificate program was a continuation of the entry-level training and allowed employees to work full-time and complete the certificate requirements part-time.

Beginning in 2014, eligible employees who completed the certificate program enrolled in a diploma program in Early Childhood Care and Education. It is expected that by March 2016, eligible employees will successfully complete the program requirements and will therefore meet the objectives outlined in the Preschool Excellence Initiative.

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RESULTS

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While results for Phase 3 are not available as the initiative will not be complete until March 2016, a total of 85 Early Childhood Educators completed Phase 1 and a total of 74 Early Childhood Educators completed Phase 2.

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FURTHER INFORMATION

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Securing The Future For Our Children - Preschool Excellence Initiative

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