On Oct. 27, the Ontario government introduced full-day kindergarten programs at a cost of $1.5 billion per year. Up to 35,000 children can be enrolled next fall, with early childhood educators and teachers working together in the classroom.

Colleen Tovey-Schackleton, superintendent of education at the Toronto Catholic board, said the total budget for Toronto Catholic schools is $3.8 million.

The program will be phased in over five years, with full-day junior and senior kindergarten programs for schools in priority neighbourhoods where affordable day care is needed most. The board already has an existing full-day senior kindergarten program at seven schools.

Tovey-Shackleton said children enrolled in the board’s full-day senior kindergarten programs have had a positive impact on families whose children have experienced academic success and increased social skills and social interaction.

The board expects 28 schools to be approved from the list of 38.

For a list of schools, visit www.tcdsb.org .