The 2014-2015 school year is the fifth and final year of the phased-in implementation of full-day Kindergarten (FDK) in Ontario. With the implementation of FDK the Board has experienced an increase in the number of before and after school programs for four and five year olds. The programs are offered through agreements with third party operators and a number of the sites also offer programs for 6 to 12 year olds.
The Extended-Day Program utilizes play-based learning to provide a balance of investigation, exploration, guided explicit instruction, independent activities, quiet times and outdoor play. In addition, it makes use of shared resources and shared common space. Ontario school boards are required to provide extended-day programs for Kindergarten students where there is committed interest from the families of at least 20 students. Currently, the CDSBEO offers extended-day programs at 11 schools. Schools are surveyed in early spring to determine requirements for the upcoming school year.