The Department of Education and Early Years () is the department of the Government of Prince Edward Island responsible for delivering high-quality education programs and curriculum in English and French to Island children from birth to Grade 12. The department provides corporate services, including general and financial administration, staff certification, research, planning and evaluation, human resources and school athletics.
The minister of education and early years (currently Robin Croucher) is responsible for the department to the General Assembly. While the minister is head of the department, and provides policy/political direction, the day-to-day operations of the department are managed by the deputy minister (currently Natalie Mitton), who is a public servant.
History.
The Free Education Act, passed in 1852, was a response to the desire to provide free education. This act was significant because it was not only the forerunner of establishing school districts but also established that the Colonial government would pay the salaries of teachers.
In 1877, the Public School Act was passed and provided the groundwork for building the Department of Education.
At the start of the 20th century, the provincial government strongly supported education; 40% of the provincial budget was assigned to it. At the time, this was an unprecedented level of funding and considered far more advanced than even Great Britain.
Legislation.
The Department of Education and Early Learning is responsible for a number of laws related to education and schooling in Prince Edward Island.