More Subsidized Portable Child-care Spaces Created

Low-income families in Nova Scotia will have greater access to child care with 150 new subsidized, portable child-care spaces, Community Services Minister Judy Streatch announced today, Sept. 25.

"This is the first key component in the rollout of the new 10-year, Early Learning and Child Care Plan," said Ms. Streatch. "We're making child care more affordable for families who need it most and providing them with more flexibility to seek employment or training."

These subsidized portable spaces are worth about $7 million of the $130-million plan. There will be 400 more subsidized portable spaces created over the next five years.

A subsidized portable space belongs to the child and is not fixed to a child-care centre. This means that a family accessing a portable space can take the space to another licensed centre if they move to a different area.

"Quality and affordable child care is important to every parent," said Mary Ellen Shatford, director, Through The Years Community Day Care and Community Centre. "These portable spaces will allow parents equal access to quality programs and allow them to choose a centre that meets their family's needs."

The Department of Community Services provides more than 3,000 subsidized child-care spaces, including 759 portable spaces. All subsidized spaces are designated for children who are 12 years old or younger, at centres that provide full-day child care.

The portable spaces will be distributed throughout the province. Parents who want more information should contact any Department of Community Services office or call 1-877-424-1177.

The Early Learning and Child Care Plan will add more child-care spaces, increase subsidized spaces and provide ongoing support for the province's child-care sector.