More Child-Care Spaces for HRM, East Hants
Up to 286 more child-care spaces will be created in HRM and East Hants by 2026 with funding announced today, February 6. (Communications Nova Scotia / File)
Children and families in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and East Hants will have more options and improved access to child care with up to 286 new spaces.
Through Nova Scotia’s child-care space creation programs, the Province is providing $7.6 million to support six child-care operators to add the spots.
“These investments are opening more access to affordable child care to help families in our fastest growing regions,” said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “By investing in child care, we invest in families to participate in the workforce and grow our economy.”
The funding recipients expect to have the new spaces available by March 2026. They are:
- ForestKids Early Learning Organization, Hammonds Plains, up to 12 new spaces
- Silver Crescent Academy, Bedford, up to 40 new spaces
- Tots Early Learning Society, Enfield, up to 24 new spaces; Lantz, up to 52 new spaces
- Cunard Street Children’s Centre, Halifax, up to 54 new spaces
- By the Sea Early Learning, Upper Tantallon, up to 64 new spaces
- North End Community Day Care, Halifax, up to 40 new spaces.
Quotes:
“These new spots will be a game changer for families in the Halifax regional and East Hants municipalities, saving them thousands of dollars on child care. We’ll continue working together with Nova Scotia to create more child-care spots, reduce wait lists and ensure every family has access to high-quality and affordable child care no matter where they live.”
— Jenna Sudds, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“The Cunard Street Children’s Centre is very excited to be a part of the Province of Nova Scotia’s major infrastructure program. CSCC has had the vision of expanding our child-care program to include the second floor of our building for a very long time. We imagine our entire building to be an active and vibrant place where all children are happy and thriving in all areas of development. These additional spaces will support our community’s economic growth and development by providing families with greater child-care availability, helping them to pursue educational and employment opportunities.”
— Gail Oakley, Executive Director, Cunard Street Children’s Centre
Quick Facts:
- since 2021, more than 6,500 new child-care spaces have been created across the province
- these initiatives are funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement
Additional Resources:
More information about child care in Nova Scotia: https://www.childcarenovascotia.ca/