Consultations to Begin on Child Care Strategy

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services is moving forward with the development of its 10-Year Child Care Strategy. The major focus of this strategy is to provide more child care options for parents already in or just entering the workforce, and for parents pursuing training and educational opportunities.

“The purpose of these consultations is to gather feedback from a broad range of individuals who are availing of or in need of child care, and who are working with or in the child care sector,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services. “Given the importance that child care plays in supporting labour force participation, our government is committed to developing this 10-year strategy, which will specifically target the availability of child care spaces for parents attached to or wishing to enter the labour force.”

These sessions will include parents, child care providers, child care operators, early childhood educators and others involved in this sector, as well as representatives from aboriginal, advocacy, education, labour, business and community groups, all of which have been invited to attend the consultations taking place over the next several weeks. The department is also providing any group or individual interested in this topic the opportunity to submit their views through a written submission.

To date, Child, Youth and Family Services has conducted extensive jurisdictional research on various child care delivery models and best practices across Canada and in other countries in order to assist in finalizing its 10-Year Child Care Strategy.

“This research is being used as we continue to develop a ‘made-in Newfoundland and Labrador’ approach, which will be realistic and achievable and will create more affordable and quality child care spaces for parents and children who need them throughout the province,” said Minister Johnson. “I encourage anyone who has views on child care to share their thoughts with the department.”

A discussion guide will be posted on the department’s website at www.gov.nl.ca/cyfs. The information and questions in the guide are provided as an aid to help facilitate dialogue and feedback. Input is encouraged and welcomed.

Written submissions can be provided to the Policies and Programs Branch of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services through the following methods:

E-mail: loriannecompanion@gov.nl.ca
Facsimile: 709-729-6382
Mail:
CYFS 10-Year Child Care Strategy
c/o Policies and Programs Branch
Child, Youth and Family Services
28 Pippy Place
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

Submissions will be accepted until December 15.

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

2011 11 21             1:55 p.m.