Health and Community Services
April 3, 2008

New Provincial Campaign to Promote Child Care Subsidy Program

As a key part of the Provincial Early Learning and Child Care Plan, a new campaign by the Provincial Government will inform parents across Newfoundland and Labrador about the enhanced child care subsidy program and how to access quality child care services. The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, introduced the campaign today at the Y child care centre.

"The early years are the most important in a child�s life as they set the stage for future growth and development and it is during this time that early childhood education plays an important role in fostering creativity and learning," said Minister Wiseman. "Through this campaign we hope to make more families aware that there is financial help available to access regulated child care services, while also showing the benefits of quality child care and providing help to find regulated child care services in their region."

The campaign consists of print and radio ads as well as a series of posters and brochures focusing on three primary topics: considerations in choosing a regulated child care service; the benefits of quality child care to the child as well as the family; and, information on financial assistance available through the child care subsidy program, including the criteria for eligibility and how to apply.

"We recognize that some families may struggle to afford child care services which is why we have increased the income threshold for the child care subsidy program by $7,500 over the last two years � an increase which has the potential to benefit an additional 420 children and their families in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Wiseman. "This program has already benefited families who have availed of these subsidies and we hope that more families will become aware of this assistance and apply to their nearest child care services office in their regional health authority."

Single-parent families with incomes up to $27,500 and two-parent families with incomes up to $27,840 qualify for a full subsidy. Families with incomes beyond these thresholds may still qualify for partial subsidies.

In May 2006, the Provincial Government unveiled its Early Learning and Child Care Plan followed by additional enhancements in November 2007. The plan includes initiatives to make child care more affordable for families; attract more people to the field of child care through training and other measures; increase the number of spaces in rural and underserviced areas; support the inclusion of children with special needs; and, improve quality and developmental opportunities for children.

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Media contact:
Glenda Power
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
glendapower@gov.nl.ca

2008 04 03                                                       2:30 p.m.


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