CHARLOTTETOWN –Education officials in Prince Edward Island are issuing an urgent call to parents and guardians to register their children for kindergarten as soon as possible for the upcoming September school year. Although the registration period officially opened in December, authorities are concerned that many families are procrastinating, which significantly complicates school planning and resource allocation. Shawn Brinson, Director of Human Resources for the P.E.I. Public Schools Branch, emphasized that early registration is a critical logistical requirement rather than a mere formality. Because kindergarten class sizes are strictly capped at a maximum of 18 students per class, the branch needs accurate enrollment numbers well in advance to organize classrooms and hire the necessary number of teachers. A surge in last-minute registrations creates significant challenges in finding qualified staff and setting up physical learning spaces in time for the first day of school.
The situation is particularly pressing for the province’s French-language schools, where specialized staffing is a major concern. Kathleen Couture, Executive Director of the Association of French-language Early Childhood Centers, noted that the ongoing shortage of French-language educators makes early notification essential. Knowing exactly how many students are entering the francophone system allows administrators to secure specialized staff who are often in high demand and difficult to recruit at the last minute. Furthermore, early registration allows school authorities to better prepare for the transition of students into a new environment, ensuring that those who may require extra support or specific resources are identified and accommodated before the school year begins.
Beyond staffing and logistics, early enrollment also benefits the children directly by allowing families to participate in spring orientation sessions designed to ease the transition into the school system. Brinson stated that the Public Schools Branch relies on the full cooperation of parents to ensure that every child has access to the best possible learning resources from day one. Parents of children who will be five years old by December 31 are eligible to enroll and are encouraged to visit the Public Schools Branch website for registration forms and key dates. By submitting applications now, families can help prevent overcrowding and ensure their local schools are fully prepared to welcome the new cohort of students this fall.
