I am writing this note to voice my concern regarding the lack of before and after school care since the onset of Full-Day Kindergarten in Ontario.

My daughter started JK last year as the first class to attend the full day Kindergarten program. Hats off to this new program as we are truly impressed. My daughter had a great year. I have noted that her cognitive, social, and emotional skills have blossomed as a result. Her main teacher as well as the ECE specialist(s) in her class have done an outstanding job. They really take into consideration each child’s individual learning styles and stages and are able to accommodate the learning experiences accordingly.

As impressed as I am with the Principal, the Teachers, the Staff (who are all wonderful) as well as the new play based learning curriculum, I regret to inform you that I am very unimpressed with the way the before and after school care program initiation has/is being handled.

As a full-time working Mom, who purposely moved next door to the school so we would be within walking distance I am sure you will appreciate my frustration, here’s why:

During the initial registration for Jr. K, we were presented with a card asking our interest in before and after school care. We ensured the school was aware of our interest in this program and in-turn they stressed the fact that this information is imperative so that such a program could be implemented. So, this left us very hopeful that this program would be started. However, we were notified that no, the program was not a go.

Then, during the school year, again we were asked about our continued interest in the program and again we expressed our eagerness to get this program going and that we would indeed be attending if the program was implemented.

We received great news that yes, the Carson Grove Before and After School Care program for the Full Day Kindergarten students would indeed be a go! Yes,! We were so happy – this really made our day.

As a result, I would be able to simply drop my daughter off next door at the school as opposed to driving her to daycare all the way over in another school district so she could in-turn take the bus to school (which, remember is next door to our house). Then after school she also takes the bus back to daycare, then I pick her up and drive her back home (again next door to the  school). This was perfect! We were all set. We gave our deposit for the extended day program and were making plans to remove her from the home daycare the following September.

Then, no wait a minute – low and behold – the brand new Carson Grove before & after extended day program has been cancelled. Once again, we were totally let down. And, we were never officially notified in writing of this cancellation. My daughter’s father received a few voicemails to call the school back but never was able to reach them. I found out when I was walking my daughter to school and happened to talk to the Principal outside while she was doing bus duty. She said, “Blame it on the school board”.

Why? Why is the school board doing this to the families involved?

How do you think this makes us feel?

How do you think this affects the children?

What do you have planned going forward to rectify this situation?

Furthermore, as communicated in the notice about the new budget, “In all, the budget proposes 16 million dollars of enhancements to improve services to OCDSB students and community.” How will this be beneficial to my daughter at Carson Grove?

Also, in reviewing the 2011-2015 OCDSB Strategy Map, I have noted that one of the primary objectives for 2015: “How we will know we have achieved our vision” #6. States: Full-day Kindergarten is offered in all of our schools, supported by vibrant extended day programs.

That’s a great vision however, when will this vision be reached?