EDUCATION/EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT--Four New Early Years Centres Announced
January 19, 2015
Families in communities across the province will have services and supports for young children as a result of four new Early Years Centres.
The new centres were announced today, Jan. 19, and will be located at:
- Clark Rutherford Memorial School in Clementsport, Annapolis Co., Annapolis Valley Regional School Board
- West Highlands Elementary School in Amherst, Chignecto-Central Regional School Board
- École Beau-Port in Arichat, Richmond Co., Conseil scolaire acadien provincial
- New Germany Elementary School, Lunenburg Co., South Shore Regional School Board.
With the addition of these centres, every school board in Nova Scotia will have an Early Years Centre with an early learning program, regulated child care and parent supports.
The centres are located in or near schools and are for children age four and under. Each is tailored to meet the needs of its community by partnering with local organizations who provide support services such as early intervention and health services to children and families.
"We recognize how important the early years are to ensuring the success of the next generation of Nova Scotians," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey. "By partnering with local organizations, these centres will offer customized support to young children and their families right in their own communities so they are prepared for the best possible start to school."
The development of the Early Years Centres in Nova Scotia is supported by a five-year funding commitment of $500,000 from the Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation.
"Congratulations to all those involved in the Early Years Centres. You are modeling the future by demonstrating how quality, integrated, efficient early childhood service delivery can simultaneously meet the needs of children, families and the community," said Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, foundation chair.
The Early Years Centres for Clark Rutherford Memorial School, West Highlands Elementary School, and New Germany Elementary School are expected to open in September. The centre for École Beau-Port is expected to open later this year as their early childhood program transitions into an Early Years Centre.
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Families in communities across the province will have services and supports for young children as a result of four new early years centres.
The new centres were announced today (January 19th), and will be located at Clark Rutherford Memorial School in Clementsport, Annapolis County, West Highlands Elementary School in Amherst, École Beau-Port in Arichat, and New Germany Elementary School.
Every school board will have a centre that offers easy access to services with an early learning program, regulated child care and parent supports.
Media Contact: Michelle Lucas
902-424-8307
Cell: 902-222-1784
E-mail: Michelle.L.Lucas@novascotia.ca
Gordon Wilson the MLA for the riding of Clare-Digby opens Nova Scotia’s newest Early Years Centre