The Manitoba government has presented a bill that would reduce the age at which a child can go to school and eliminate obstacles to students enrolling in schools in the area where they reside, according to Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare's announcement on Wednesday.
“We want to ensure every child is prepared for success, and that includes ensuring they have access to education, especially in the crucial early years,” Altomare stated.
“We know that when children attend school regularly, they are more likely to achieve success, pursue higher education, and secure a good job that will contribute to a fulfilling life. This is why we want to ensure they can attend school wherever they live.”
At present, the requirement for students to attend the school located in the catchment area of their parent or guardian’s residence presents challenges, particularly for students with alternative caregiving arrangements, the minister pointed out.
The proposed change aims to ensure that children living with a responsible adult can enroll in their local school within their school division, even without a formal transfer of guardianship.
Furthermore, the change seeks to clarify the rights of temporary residents to enroll their children in the nearby public school.
The intent is to decrease the mandatory school age from seven to six years old, and the right to attend school from six to five years old, bringing Manitoba’s regulations in line with the national standard across Canada.
The Manitoba government will continue collaborating with school divisions to eliminate barriers to student attendance, the minister stated.
