Changes to Early Learning in 2021-2022

Our Early Learning team is excited as we plan for the 2021-2022 school year. Although there will be some changes to the program, we will continue to provide your children with the best start to their school careers. These changes enable us to keep Early Learning (EL) programming in place in each of the elementary schools in our communities, with early interventions as needed. 

Differences in our elementary schools, such as population size and location, means that one model doesn’t work well in every location. Therefore we will be offering the program under two basic models:

  • Independent Early Learning programs will be provided at sites where the number of children make an independent program possible. The programs at Barrhead Elementary and Westlock Elementary are examples of this.
  • Blended Early Learning programs will be provided where there are fewer students. In a blended program, the Kindergarten teacher will also have responsibilities as an EL teacher (on designated EL days and in EL classrooms). Here the EL programs will run 2 half days per week. Children who require additional programming hours will receive them on Kindergarten days. The remaining PHSD elementary schools are examples of this.

We have strong working relationships with staff at all our community schools. If adjustments are needed to make programs work, we share the commitment to finding the best solution on behalf of students. 

Thank you in advance for continuing to support Early Learning. I am confident that even with these changes our staff will provide the highest quality of support to your little ones in their growth and development. If you have any questions, please contact me by phone or email. 

Kelly Ferguson
Principal, Early Learning Services
780-674-8565
kelly.ferguson@pembinahills.ca

Posted on: May 27th, 2021