WHITBY, ON April 26, 2012 –The Regional Municipality of Durham, Social Services Department, in partnership with the Offord Centre for Child Studies at McMaster University and local school boards in Durham Region, is conducting a kindergarten parent survey (KPS) for parents of children currently enrolled in senior kindergarten. Funding for the project was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
Beginning the week of April 30, parents of children enrolled in senior kindergarten in Durham Region will receive the KPS and a free children’s book from their school. The purpose of the voluntary survey is to collect information about the early experiences of children and their families in Durham Region. Results from the survey will be linked to information obtained from an Early Development Instrument (EDI) questionnaire that was completed by senior kindergarten teachers in February and March.
“We encourage all parents to complete the kindergarten parent survey, in order to assist in providing key information about programs and services that are most required for families of young children in Durham,” said Dr. Hugh Drouin, Commissioner of Social Services. “The information collected from the survey will support the Region in working with local partners to enhance our current services.”
Survey responses will be kept confidential, and information collected will not include the parent or child’s name. All data from the survey will be summarized by staff at the Offord Centre for Child Studies and reported at a group level. Teachers and school staff will not see the completed questionnaires—only the summarized results.
“This survey will lend a voice to parents in helping the Region to determine factors that affect the early development of children. By completing a survey, parents will assist in providing significant background details of our local communities,” said Roxanne Lambert, Director of Children’s Services. “It’s our goal that the completed surveys will assist in providing results that will ultimately help us work towards giving children a better chance of being prepared to enter Grade 1.”
Participating school boards include Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud, Conseil scolaire Viamonde, Durham Catholic District School Board, Durham District School Board, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, and the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board.
For more information about the survey, please contact Lisa McIntosh, Early Learning Program Manager, at 905-668-7711 ext. 2754 or via email at lisa.mcintosh@durham.ca.
Media Inquiries:
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF DURHAM:
Jennifer Santos – Manager, CommunicationsÂ
905-668-7711 ext. 2240