NEW 25 SPACE CHILD CARE CENTRE OPENS IN NORTH BATTLEFORD

Today, on behalf of Education Minister Donna Harpauer, Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Mike Chisholm joined parents, dignitaries and representatives from the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises to celebrate the opening of le Centre éducatif Les Petits Pingouins, a 25 space licensed child care centre at École Père Mercure in North Battleford.

"Since taking office in November 2007, we have made significant progress in increasing the number of licensed child care spaces in Saskatchewan," Chisholm said. "The 25 new spaces at École Père Mercure are part of that investment, and mean that more children will have access to high quality early learning opportunities while their parents are following their own education or employment pursuits."

The Government of Saskatchewan provided more than $414,000 for the new child care centre, including $308,500 for capital renovations. In addition, $105,525 in one-time funding was provided to develop the spaces, including $84,000 in space development grant funding, $15,375 to assist with the purchasing of equipment and furnishings and $6,150 for materials and equipment that enhance early learning.

Over the past three years, the Government of Saskatchewan has made a record investment in licensed child care, allocating funding for 2,935 new child care spaces to communities across the province. This represents a 30 per cent increase in child care spaces since 2007.

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For more information, contact:

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