Albertans support government funding for pre-Kindergarten programs for kids at risk
Joint release: ASBA, ATA, AHSCA and CASS
Release date: November 17, 2006
Eighty-two per cent of Albertans support government funding for pre-Kindergarten programs according to an Ipsos Reid survey conducted on behalf of four major education organizations. In 2003, Alberta’s Commission on Learning recommended that the government fund pre-Kindergarten programs, but the government did not accept that recommendation.
Today, armed with the results of this survey, the presidents of the Alberta Home and School Councils’ Association (AHSCA), the Alberta School Boards Associations (ASBA), the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) called on the provincial government to introduce funded early intervention programs immediately.
“Research proves that children exposed to early education opportunities are far more likely to complete school successfully,” said ATA President Frank Bruseker. “All four education organizations strongly agree early intervention is vital—and now we know 82 per cent of Albertans agree.”
“New understandings in brain research illustrate that the early years of development for children, particularly those between the ages of four and eight, set the base for competence and coping skills that affect a child’s learning, behaviour and health throughout life,” said CASS President Mary Lynne Campbell. “Early success is critical.”
“Martha and Henry are telling us they want Alberta’s children to have these supports—and they want government to pay for it. We encourage the contenders for the Progressive Conservative party leadership and MLAs to pay heed,” said ASBA President Maureen Kubinec.
“Parents would welcome choices in early intervention supports,” said AHSCA President Trina Boymook. “Increasing opportunities for learning success will make a difference for many Alberta students and their families.”
In the survey, Ipsos Reid asked Albertans, “Based on what you know today, would you support the idea that the Government of Alberta should provide additional funding to implement a pre-Kindergarten program to benefit children facing challenges such as English as a second language, fetal alcohol syndrome or below-average age-appropriate skills?”
The responses were broken down as follows: 52 per cent strongly support, 30 per cent somewhat support, 9 per cent somewhat oppose, 8 per cent strongly oppose and 1 per cent don’t know. Therefore, 82 per cent strongly or somewhat support additional funding to implement a pre-Kindergarten program.
Ipsos Reid
surveyed 800 Albertans between October 17 and 22, 2006. With a sample of this
size, the results are considered accurate to within plus/minus 3.5 percentage
points 19 times out of 20. These data were statistically weighted to ensure
that the samples regional and age/gender composition reflect that of the actual
Alberta
population, according to the most recent Census data.
For more information contact:
Trina Boymook (AHSCA) at 1.780.454-9867 or 1.800.661.3470, Maureen Kubinec (ASBA)
at 1.780.482.7311, Frank Bruseker (ATA) at 1.780.447.9444 or 1.800.232.7208 or
Mary-Lynne Campbell (CASS) at 1.780.963.8404.
For more information about the survey methodology, please contact Kyle Braid, Vice-President of Ipsos Reid, at 1.604.893.1605.
The Alberta School Boards Association serves and represents all Alberta’s public, separate and francophone school boards.
