DayCare Changes Likely Delayed

Premier Dalton McGuinty admits it will take longer than planned to implement so-called full-day learning for four-andfive-year-olds in Ontario.

McGuinty says the government has allocated $500 million over two years to start phasing in optional all-day junior kindergarten in2010.

The premier admits the plan likely won't be fully implemented in three years as recommended because of the faltering economy, and says he doesn't know how much it will cost.

When pressed, McGuinty said he didn't know the total cost, but admitted it would be `a lot of money.'

McGuinty also says teachers will have to work alongside early childhood education specialists, an idea teachers' unions have balked at in the past.

Charles Pascal, the government's early learning advisor,recommends that full-day learning programs for pre-schoolers start in lower-income neighbourhoods.