Despite every member of the National Assembly not part of the CAQ being against legislation that creates new free kindergarten classes for four-year-olds in Quebec, Premier Francois Legault and his team are moving full steam ahead.
The government will open 250 new Pre-K classes for the 2019-2020 school year, bringing the total number of expanded kindergarten classes in the province to 644.
More than 30 classes will be opened within the City's English School Boards, 19 being opened within the Lester B. Pearson School Board and 13 new classes opening at the English Montreal School Board.
The Commission Scolaire de Montreal, which currently has 28 Pre-K classes, will be opening four new classrooms to four-year-olds. No classes will be added within the Commission Scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys.
The CAQ's plan requires the early kindergarten classes have at least six spaces open for children living in disadvantaged areas and teachers will be assisted by part-time assistants, with possible experience in special education or early childcare.
The Legault government's plan is to offer kindergarten classes to all four-year-olds in Quebec by the 2023-2024 school year.
The Premier has stressed the new classes won't be compulsory.