Parents and Teachers Back Full-Time Kindergarten in Winnipeg

A recent survey indicates strong support for full-time kindergarten in the Louis Riel School Division in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Following the introduction of full-day kindergarten for the 2024-25 academic year, both parents and teachers have expressed overwhelming approval of the initiative. The division conducted a survey this past spring, gathering feedback from 375 parents and 60 teachers regarding their experiences with the new program.

According to Christian Michalik, superintendent of the Louis Riel School Division, the survey results point to a “very positive impact” on kindergarten students. “It’s about laying a strong foundation, and the evidence is indisputable,” he stated. More than 80 percent of responding parents reported favorable views on full-day kindergarten. Additionally, 98 percent noted observable growth in their children after participating in the program.

Among the parents surveyed was Ashley Meyer, who has seen firsthand the benefits of full-day kindergarten through her daughter, Maisie. Maisie was part of the first cohort at Glenwood School in the division, and Meyer highlighted the significant progress her child made during the year. “Maisie thrived in a full-day kindergarten,” Meyer said. “It just led to more chances for her to have more time and opportunity to develop those social relationships.”

Meyer contrasted this experience with that of her nine-year-old son, Randy, who attended half-day kindergarten. She noted that the transition between part-time school and daycare was challenging, particularly for working parents. “It was a relief knowing that Maisie would be in school full time,” she shared. “It lowered our stress levels, knowing that daycare wouldn’t be such a hassle to find.”

The survey results revealed that approximately three-quarters of kindergarten teachers also observed enhancements in students’ early literacy and numeracy skills due to full-time schooling. Xiaoxiao Du, an associate professor at the University of Manitoba, emphasized that full-day kindergarten provides varied opportunities for children to expand their education through play, exploration, and structured learning. “Play literacy and social-emotional needs can also be enhanced when children attend full-day kindergarten,” Du stated.

As the Louis Riel School Division prepares to adopt universal full-day kindergarten, the initiative comes at a cost of over $2.5 million. Michalik views this investment as crucial for the development of young learners and hopes that other school districts in Manitoba will consider similar programs.

Despite some schools in Manitoba already offering universal full-time kindergarten, the province remains one of the few in Canada without a comprehensive system in place. Meyer expressed her desire for the program to expand throughout the province, noting that many of her friends with kindergarten-age children in other divisions wish for the same opportunities provided to Maisie.

“I think that it’s a great thing for our kids to be in school and have those full days available to them,” Meyer concluded. The Louis Riel School Division’s initiative has sparked discussions about the potential benefits of full-time kindergarten and the importance of providing accessible education options for young children in Manitoba.