Photo: Education Minister Zach Churchill speaks at an announcement today of a deal between the province and federal government on child care support. Churchill is joined by Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jean-Yves Duclos and Premier Stephen McNeil. (Zach Churchill photo)
The province is increasing the number of child care centres and subsidizing child care costs for more families.
Today, the Nova Scotia government signed a three year, $35 million child care funding agreement with the federal government.
In a release, the province says the agreement will make regulated child care more affordable, accessible and inclusive.
Provincial Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Zach Churchill says only one in four children in Nova Scotia are accessing child care and early learning initiatives, which are important for development.
“We are creating more private and not-for-profit centres. We are creating more home-based child care sites to support our communities. It’s a great day for Nova Scotian families.”
90 new home based sites will be created, along with 15 new regulated child care centres in areas of greatest need.
Churchill says at the same time, the province plans to expand its pre-primary program, which is free, play-based learning program for four year olds.
More highlights of today’s announcement: 550 more children will receive the maximum child care subsidy, 675 more children with families making between $35 and 70 thousand will be eligible for a higher subsidy rate, and for the first time 375 children in part-day programs will be eligible.
We’re increasing the income eligibility threshold from $25,000 to $35,000 so more families will benefit from the maximum child care subsidy. pic.twitter.com/3u5uUrkFFV
— NS Education (@nseducation) January 10, 2018