More Nova Scotia Children to Have Supported Child Care

The Nova Scotia government is investing almost $45 million over the next eight years to help more families get affordable, quality and inclusive child care.

Premier Rodney MacDonald and Community Services Minister Judy Streatch announced today, March 25, $5.2 million for four initiatives this year through the Early Learning and Child Care Plan.

"The government is committed to helping the families of this province access quality child care that is affordable and available for every child," said Premier MacDonald at the Colchester Community Day Care in Truro. "We recognize how important it is for all children to have a great education and we know that for many Nova Scotia children, the foundation of that education begins in day care."

The funding meets a commitment made by the province in November that income eligibility rules for subsidies would change. Effective April 1, families with up to two children and a net income of about $62,000 may be eligible, up from $55,000. Subsidies are given in proportion to net income. The minimum child care fee for a parent receiving a subsidy is being lowered to $1 per day, per child, from $2.25.

"By making child care more affordable and accessible, we are making it easier for parents to work," said the premier. "This is part of government's commitment to reduce poverty."

The funding also supports the recruitment and retention strategy in the Early Learning and Child Care Plan.

"We are offering up to $5,000 per year through an education assistance program," said Ms. Streatch. "This funding will support individuals pursuing their degree or diploma in early childhood education and help child-care centres and family home day cares recruit staff."

The funding will promote an inclusive environment for children with special needs. Funding will be allocated to the centre, not the child, which follows best practices from other jurisdictions.

The child care operating grant will be expanded to part-time day-care centres. The grant is $2 per day per space used by one or more children and is retroactive to April 1, 2007. It is intended to help increase salaries and benefits to encourage people to enter and remain in the child-care profession. The grant will also help cover general operating expenses.

Through Nova Scotia's 10-year, $200-million Early Learning and Child Care Plan, there will be 1,000 more day-care spaces, at least 550 more portable subsidized spaces, and more spaces for infant care. More information is on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/coms/families/ELCCProgram.html .