About the Department
Prince Edward Island is a place where learning is highly valued. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is responsible for advancing the quality of public education and integrating early childhood development for the long term benefit of the province's youth. The department is the leader in ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to develop their full potential and have equitable opportunities for lifelong learning.
Minister: The responsibilities of the minister are declared under the School Act and the Child Care Facilities Act. The minister defines the goals, standards and priorities for the provision of education in the province; provides leadership to policy, curriculum and professional development; establishes rules for the granting of credits, certificates and diplomas; establishes the school calendar; and ensures an effective accountability framework for system performance. Staff of the Minister's Office provide corporate and administrative support to the minister, develop and implement communications strategies for the department and liaise with other government departments and education ministries. Hon. J. Alan McIsaac
Deputy Minister: As a member of the Deputy Minister's Council within government, the deputy minister is responsible to the premier and to the minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. The deputy minister provides leadership in achieving high quality legislation, programs and policies in public education and early childhood development. Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, Deputy Minister
Department Management Team: The department management team (DMT) is the senior leadership team of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. It is responsible for key policy and operational decisions within the scope of its authority and for leadership and management of department planning activities including strategic, human resource and financial planning.
Communications: The communications coordinator is a member of the minister's office staff and works with all divisions to ensure consistent information is communicated throughout the department and to the public. This position is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating a broad range of communications activities and events for the department and for government.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development serves the people of Prince Edward Island through two branches; Administration and Corporate Services and Learning and Early Childhood Development.
Administration and Corporate Services Branch: is responsible for the financial and administrative aspect of the department mandate. Services include general and financial administration, school board operations, staff certification, research, planning and evaluation, technology support, and human resources.
Learning and Early Childhood Development Branch: has the responsibility to develop and deliver high quality programs and curriculum in both English and French to Island children from birth to the end of Grade 12. It also provides the support and services necessary to enhance programs and curriculum. It has two divisions: Programs and Curriculum and Child and Student Services.
Child and Student Services provides support and services to enhance learning. Student services include English as an Additional Language / French as an Additional Language (EAL/FAL), career education, counseling, diversity, school athletics, and school and student health. Inclusive services for students with behavioral challenges, learning disabilities, autism, and challenges with speech, vision and hearing are also provided through this division.
Programs and Curriculum coordinates early childhood programs and services and is responsible for English and French language education programs and services for students from kindergarten to Grade 12. This division is focused on curriculum development, literacy interventions and supports, and professional development.
This information has been taken from website "Education and Early Childhood Development"