ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Good news for current and expecting parents: there are 2,206 early learning and childcare spaces in various stages of development in Newfoundland and Labrador, all slated to be operational at some point in the next 24 months.
The province says 750 spaces are partially funded through the childcare capacity initiative announced in fall 2023.
The St. John’s region is home to 1,191, central and western areas of the island 465 each and Labrador is due for 85.
The province also announced new measures to help service providers and workers while further incentivizing space creation.
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As of April 1, the province implemented an infant incentive that pays providers already in receipt of an operating grant an additional $30 per day for each infant-aged space they operate, bringing the total funding per enrolled infant per operational day to $101 for childcare centres and infant-only providers.
Previously a dual-level funding model, the grant program has been streamlined to allow all participating service providers to be funded at the previously higher tier rate so all participants are receiving uniform rates determined by the child’s age and the type of service provided.
The province is also bringing in streamlined closure days that give providers funding for up to 12 statutory holidays and five more discretionary days.
A full list of spaces under development can be found on government’s website.
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