This page will compare and contrast the education (ELCC and/or ECE) frameworks of provinces and territories and identify key policy approaches. The domain of early childhood education within the public school system covered in this section will range from kindergarten to grade 7 only, as the Government of Canada defines this as early education. Areas such as the age of kindergarten entry and full or half day school will be explored. Each province’s political party’s position on education will also be described because education policy enforcement is under the authority of the provincial/territorial governments.

ECE frameworks, principles, political party positions and ECE worker certifications:

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

SASKATCHEWAN

MANITOBA

ONTARIO

QUÉBEC

THE MARITIMES AND NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

THE TERRITORIES

A quick summary of provincial / territorial ECE kindergarten criteria

PROVINCE/TERRITORY FULL VS HALF DAY KINDERGARTEN

What is the overlap between provinces and territories on their goals for kindergarten being full day?

• More time spent interacting with peers which strengthens social skills.
• Avoiding shifting between excessive amount of programs/schedules/locations.