Education Funding for Nova Scotia Child Care Workers

More Nova Scotia child-care staff may be hitting the books thanks to a government program designed to support continuing education and enhance skills and qualifications.

The continuing education program is part of the Early Learning and Child Care Plan's recruitment and retention strategy. Funding is available to eligible staff interested in furthering their education part time, while working in licensed child-care centres or family home day-care agencies. The program will reimburse child-care staff for eligible courses.

"The province is moving forward on its commitment to improve and expand child care across Nova Scotia," said Community Services Minister Judy Streatch. "We are offering up to $5,000 per year to support staff to continue their education.

"This investment will help make Nova Scotia child-care centres more competitive when hiring and retaining staff, and will have a positive impact on the lives of the province's child-care staff, as well as the children in their care."

The continuing education program is in addition to the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program, which supports full-time students pursuing early childhood education degrees or diplomas.

"Anything the government can do to support the field is going to enhance the quality of care children receive," said Renee Forbes, executive director of Needham Preschool and Daycare.

Eligible child-care staff can apply for reimbursement for approved courses that begin after June 1. More information on eligibility requirements and the application process is available online at www.gov.ns.ca/coms/families/provider/ContinuingEducation.html .

The 10-year, $200-million child-care plan was announced in May 2006. The Early Learning and Child Care Plan will add more day-care spaces, increase the number of child-care subsidies available, and provide support for the province's child-care sector.