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Child, Youth and Family Services
November 18, 2011

National Child Day Recognized In Newfoundland and Labrador

National Child Day is a celebration that highlights the rights and freedoms of all Canadian children. Today, the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, celebrated National Child Day by visiting a regulated family child care home.

“It truly is a delight to see children in their element,” said Minister Johnson. “They are engaging in play, learning through activities that spark their interest and building social skills. Today has been a great opportunity for me to see first-hand what a positive influence a quality, family child care environment has on children in our province.”

Minister Johnson joined children from the age of eight months to four years old in a number of fun and educational activities such as reading story books.

National Child Day is recognized annually on November 20 to commemorate two historic events for children: the adoption of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. This year’s theme focuses on children having the right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health.

“Our government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and youth in this province,” said Minister Johnson. “In regulated child care, this means ensuring safe, healthy and stimulating environments for children.”

Building upon the Child Care Capacity Initiative, the Provincial Government introduced a two-year pilot project earlier this year that focuses on increasing the number of regulated family child care homes throughout the province. Since April 2011, a total of 12 new homes have been approved, creating more than 70 regulated spaces. To date, the number of centre-based and family child care spaces totals 6,923 across the province.

Licensed regulated family child care homes are monitored on a regular basis to ensure that the homes meet health, safety and program requirements for the children. Providers within these homes can get valuable support, including professional development and financial resources, from the department and family child care agencies.

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador affirms the Provincial Government’s funding commitment to children, youth and families with an additional $9.2 million investment into the department, bringing the total investment to $33 million in just two years. The total budget for child care is $26.5 million.

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Photo: The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services reads a story with children during a National Child Day celebration. From Left to Right: Sylvia Evans, Mary Dunn, Lindsay Soulier, Minister Johnson, Jacob Whelan, Gabriel Tucker.

Media contacts:
Michelle Hunt
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 725-1593
michellehunt@gov.nl.ca

2011 11 18                                                                      2:05 p.m.

 
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