FUNDING INCREASES FOR EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE

The Government of Saskatchewan is improving access to child care and increasing wages for early childhood educators as part of a plan to help more young children get a good start in life. These initiatives are the beginning of a new provincial strategy for early learning and child care, which will receive $21.7 million from the federal government for 2005-06.

"As parents, we all try to give our children the best start possible," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "I believe these initiatives – and others we're planning with stakeholders – help do this. Together, we are improving both the quality and accessibility of early learning and child care in Saskatchewan."

The initiatives include:

- 500 more child care spaces will be available throughout the province this year. 250 of these were promised as part of a four-year child care expansion plan through Child Care Saskatchewan, with 250 more added as a result of the new federal government funding.

- Families of children with a high level of special needs will no longer wait for child care. Funding has been provided to wipe out the wait list.

- Child care subsidies will increase an average of $20 per child per month for those families that qualify. On average, that's an increase from $240 per child per month to $260. This increase will help support parents who want to continue working or attending school.

- Day care grants for the wages of early childhood educators will increase three per cent. Recognizing the value of child care educators is key to helping ensure quality care.

These four initiatives are a first step toward a made-in-Saskatchewan system for early learning and child care. Others will follow as the province works with stakeholders to determine how best to use federal funding over the next five years. The government is committed to defining quality standards and to engaging stakeholders, including parents and communities, in developing these initiatives.

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For More Information, Contact:

Leila Dueck Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0246