Review of BEd kindergarten in progress

At the request of the provincial government, UPEI has committed to developing a BEd program to meet the needs of kindergarten teachers as they transition from early childhood centres to the PEI school system. This is a temporary program that will accept just two intakes of students altogether, in 2010 and 2011. The program is currently going through the UPEI review process, prior to being submitted to MPHEC in early March.

'UPEI has a long tradition of innovative programming to meet the real needs of people on PEI. Through our recognition of prior learning and experience, '2 + 2' articulated programs, and other innovations, we have combined with other post-secondary institutions to provide the best possible educational experience,' says Dean of Education Dr. Tim Goddard. 'We therefore made the commitment to adapt our BEd (Early Years) degree and introduce kindergarten-specific examples to that curriculum.'

All UPEI programs are subject to a rigorous internal and external review process, at the departmental level, by the faculty as a whole, by the Academic Review & Planning Committee, and then by the University Senate. New programs, or existing programs that have changed by more than 25 per cent, are then sent to the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC) for review.

In 1995-1996, the Bachelor of Education degree at UPEI changed from a one-year degree to a two-year degree. This program is on file at MPHEC. Over the last 15 years, the program has evolved to meet changing needs. However, none of the changes has been greater than 25 per cent at any one time.

MPHEC has recently advised the University that our proposed program for facilitating the transition of kindergarten teachers to the school system, when combined with gradual modifications over the last 15 years, now represents a total change of more than 25 per cent compared to 1996. The Commission has requested that a new submission, a BEd (Kindergarten), be forwarded for review. The proposal will be submitted as soon as the internal UPEI review process is complete.

'We are confident that this is a top quality program that will provide kindergarten teachers with a full BEd,' says Tim Goddard. 'We are recognizing the many years of experience held by kindergarten teachers on PEI, and the value of the Early Childhood Education diploma they hold.'

UPEI faculty members are taking part in upcoming information sessions organized by the PEI Department of Education for all applicants to the program.