“New Brunswick Early Learning Centres” are being rolled-out by the Gallant government over the next year with the first designated centres opening in March in Saint John and Edmundston.
Parents must send their children under 5 to an Early Learning Centre to qualify for either free child care or subsidies depending on income.
Premier Brian Gallant believes existing daycares will want to obtain the new designation since several enticements are available including a one-time improvement grant.
“The annual quality grants that we would provide to early learning centres is also an enticement. And of course the fact that parents could benefit from free child care or significant financial support with the middle class program would be another enticement,” he adds.
Daycares will have to upgrade materials and equipment for both indoor and outdoor learning environments in order to become an Early Learning Centre.
The province’s goal is to have at least 300 designated centres across New Brunswick by 2020.
Daycares are not required to join the program but those that do will work with the province to offer equitable and affordable child care.
