Jimmy Pratt Foundation | July 6, 2023
It is an exciting time for young children and their families in Newfoundland and Labrador. Fees for regulated child care are set at $10/day. Our Early Childhood Educators are well-qualified to provide high-quality programs – and the workforce is growing.
Still, most parents cannot find a space in regulated childcare. According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 72% of young children in Newfoundland and Labrador live in childcare deserts, defined as a postal code where there are more than three children per licensed childcare space. This proportion is the second highest in all of Canada. In St. John’s, there is less than 1 licensed space for every 10 infants.
On July 6th 2023 , the Jimmy Pratt Foundation released its fourth discussion paper on the early years in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Making Space: 2023 Roadmap on Early Learning and Childcare” proposes 5 pathways supported by researchers and advocates that would help the government create more regulated spaces in a matter of months. This document focuses on 5 priority areas: Retaining the ECE workforce, building the public childcare system, introducing Junior Kindergarten, and developing targeted strategies to increase rural and Indigenous childcare spots.
- Access the full report HERE
