This helps them to value themselves as capable and competent learners. ECS is an optional program. A child who turns four years old on or before the last day of February may be enrolled in a CBE-operated program in the fall of that same calendar year. A child who turns five on or before the last day of February is eligible to begin Grade 1 in that same calendar year. Children must start classes if they are six years old as of September 1.
Most children are able to attend the school in their community.
In some cases, however, if the community school is full, another school in a nearby community is designated to serve children from your area. Program hours and days of operation vary from school to school. Most programs are a half day, offered either in the morning or in the afternoon. Each school establishes its own start and completion dates. An information session for parents about the ECS program is usually held at each school before the end of June.