SASKATOON CHILD CARE SPACES RELOCATING

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $395,000 in funding to assist with renovation costs associated with relocating 58 child care spaces operated by the Parents' Child Development Cooperative (PCDC) from its long-time location in Bethel United Church to two schools in the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools division (GSCS).

The move was made necessary by the impending sale of the Bethel United Church property, requiring PCDC to move out of the building by June 30, 2011. The 58 spaces will be relocated in two new, smaller early learning centres at St. Bernard and St. Philip schools in Saskatoon.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to expanding the number of licensed child care spaces, but we also must act proactively in cases like this one where existing spaces face closure due to facility issues," Education Minister Donna Harpauer said. "We are pleased that we could work together with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and PCDC to retain these much needed spaces."

"I applaud the minister's commitment to early learning and her investment in our program," PCDC Chair Karen Grant said. "The outpouring of support from staff, parents, elected officials and the community as we faced closure was tremendous, demonstrating the importance of keeping these spaces available for Saskatoon families. Our new partnership with GSCS means that we can continue to provide high-quality care and early learning for our families, with the added value of being part of the schools' communities."

"At Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools we understand that young children need programs that nurture their success, confidence and creativity," Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Board of Education Chair Diane Boyko said. "It was a natural fit for us to provide two new homes for these early learning centres, which will enrich the St. Philip and St. Bernard school communities. We are ready to work hard with PCDC and the Ministry of Education during the next few months to get these centres ready for the children."

Both early learning centres, with child care from 18 months to school age, are expected to open this fall.

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For more information, contact:

Sarah Still
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1613
Email: sarah.still@gov.sk.ca

Donella Hoffman
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-659-7077
Email: dhoffman@gscs.sk.ca

Karen Grant
Parents' Child Development Cooperative
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-381-3518
Email: kgrant4@sasktel.net