SASKATCHEWAN STILL NEEDS EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE SYSTEM

An early learning and child care system is still necessary in Saskatchewan, even with federal government plans to phase out the Agreement-in-Principle, which was signed last April. That's the major conclusion coming out of a meeting in Regina between Learning Minister Deb Higgins and early learning and child care (ELCC) organizations from across the province.

"A plan for a made-in-Saskatchewan system was being developed with involvement from early learning and child care partners throughout the province," Higgins said. "The plan would provide a blended approach, where care and learning go hand in hand. There would be benefits for all children, and service options based on families' preferences and needs. We are determined that all of this good work will not go to waste," Higgins added. "We will take every opportunity to move our agenda forward with the new federal government. In fact, Premier Lorne Calvert is raising the issue during his informal meeting with Prime Minister Harper in Ottawa tonight."

Key points of the made-in-Saskatchewan plan include:

•extending pre-kindergarten services to all four-year-olds in the province;
•adding hundreds of new child care spaces;
•expanding subsidies; and
•increasing training and professional development opportunities for early childhood educators.

At the same time, Saskatchewan will ensure that existing provincial funding and commitments are honoured. For example:

•wage increases for early childhood educators in child care centres will go ahead as planned;
•existing grants for child care centres and homes will continue;
•the child care wait list has been eliminated for children with a significant impact of disability;
•the subsidy increase of $20/child/month (on average) announced April 4th, 2005 will continue;
•Child Care Saskatchewan's commitment to add 1,200 child care spaces from 2003-2007 is on track; and
•250 new child care spaces announced April 4th, 2005 will be in place by March 31st, 2006.

The Agreement-in-Principle was for $146 million over five years, but is now scheduled for phase-out on March 31st, 2007. "I look forward to discussions with the Federal Government on early learning and child care, which is a topic of interest to both levels of government. Having the Premier raise the issue, even in an informal setting, with the Prime Minister tonight is an important first step with the new government," Higgins concluded.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-5609 Cell: (306)525-2261