Letter of Transmittal
June 2009
Hon. Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
Dear Premier:
I am pleased to submit my report, With Our Best Future in Mind, which provides you and your government with a comprehensive plan of action regarding the implementation of your early learning vision. As per your direction, I have situated full-day learning for 4- and 5-year-olds in the broader context of moving further on Ontario’s Best Start goals for a seamless and integrated system to support children from 0 to 12 years old and their families.
Although this report is written in the first person, it represents the ideas and expertise of thousands of people in Ontario and beyond. The plans outlined are informed by the simple practice of catching people and organizations doing the right things well.
I share your view that investing in early learning provides a remarkable return in better outcomes for children and a healthier and more prosperous society for everyone. Ontario has a strong foundation on which to build a comprehensive, integrated child and family service system that will become a model for other jurisdictions.
I want to thank you for the remarkable opportunity to enhance my personal and professional development. I am an enthusiastic lifelong learner, and the experience to date has been an extraordinary journey of learning so much from so many who took the time to share their views and knowledge with me. I remain ready to assist you and your government in supporting various aspects of implementation. No request is too small. More importantly, practitioners and experts all over the province are ready, willing, and very able to support the changes needed.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles E. Pascal
Special Advisor on Early Learning
Chapter 1: An Early Years Vision for Ontario
Chapter 2: A Brief Review of the Evidence
Chapter 3: Full-Day Learning: Leaving the Patchwork Behind
Chapter 4: Funding Our Best Future
Chapter 5: From Words to Action
