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Child, Youth and Family Services
June 3, 2013

Consultations to Begin on Child Care Services Act and Regulations Review

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services is fulfilling another commitment of the 10-Year Child Care Strategy, Caring For Our Future: Provincial Strategy for Quality, Sufficient and Affordable Child Care in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a review of the Child Care Services Act and Regulations. As part of this review, the Provincial Government is seeking public feedback in the form of written submissions commencing today (Monday, June 3).

“Establishing quality, sufficient and affordable child care remains a top priority for our government and reviewing the legislation that presides over regulated child care is another important step forward,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services. “Our aim is to review child care services, identify any required changes and adjust accordingly to ensure that child care legislation best serves families with young children, as well as the individuals, groups and centres that provide child care services.”

The department is providing key stakeholders and representatives of the child care sector with an opportunity to share their thoughts and perspectives on the current child care legislation and regulations, and to discuss changes required to ensure a strong framework for the healthy growth and development of children, and the child care sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. A Discussion Guide is posted on the department’s website at www.gov.nl.ca/cyfs. Any group or individual interested in providing feedback on this topic can submit their views through a written submission by June 28. Further details regarding the written submission process are included in the backgrounder below.

“As a government, we view discussion and dialogue with stakeholders an important and valuable exercise,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement. “A rich and diverse cross-section of opinions and views leads to the development of sound and strong strategies, programs and services. I encourage all citizens to contribute and participate in this important process.”

As part of the consultation process, the department has also arranged to meet with child care providers, child care operators, early childhood educators and others involved in this sector, as well as parents and representatives from Aboriginal, advocacy, education and community groups throughout the province. In addition to the one-on-one meetings, these individuals or groups can provide a written submission if interested.

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future allocates an investment of $31.1 million for child care in Newfoundland and Labrador with a focus on continuing the implementation of Caring For Our Future.

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Media contacts:

Michelle Hunt
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 725-1593
michellehunt@gov.nl.ca 
Heather Maclean
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

 

BACKGROUNDER
Written Submission Process for Review of the
Child Care Services Act and Regulations

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador regulates child care services through the Child Care Services Act and Regulations, which establishes health, safety and program standards. Provincial Government officials are responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the legislation and regulations. Through the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, the act and regulations are being reviewed with a focus on ensuring positive practices are used when providing child care services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

In order to gain insight from the public on the current act and regulations, which are located on the department’s website at www.gov.nl.ca/cyfs, written submissions will be accepted. A Discussion Guide, which is posted on the department’s website, will assist respondents with their review by providing an overview of regulated child care and elements of child care licenses, as well as a series of questions that may help inform dialogue and feedback.

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

E-mail: brendaricketts@gov.nl.ca
Telephone: 709-729-5960
Facsimile: 709-729-6382

Mail:

CYFS Child Care Services Act and Regulations Review
c/o Policies and Programs Branch
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
95 Elizabeth Avenue; P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

Submissions will be accepted until June 28, 2013.

2013 06 03             10:45 a.m.

 
 
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