Public Engagement Focuses on Strengthening Child Care Services for Families and Communities

Parents and Child Care Representatives Encouraged to Participate in the Child Care Services Act and Regulations Review

Further public engagement with parents and child care representatives will commence on January 29 to assist the Provincial Government with the review of the Child Care Services Act and Regulations. These province-wide public engagement sessions are intended to build on the preliminary round of targeted consultations held in June 2013.

“Reviewing the Child Care Services Act and Regulations is an integral part of our government’s ongoing commitment to enhance the quality, sufficiency and affordability of child care services in the province. Through this second round of public engagement sessions, we will be able to gather additional insight from parents and child care representatives about potential amendments that will help improve our child care legislation and regulations.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services

This review, a key component under the 10-Year Child Care Strategy, Caring For Our Future: Provincial Strategy for Quality, Sufficient and Affordable Child Care in Newfoundland and Labrador, focuses on ensuring child care services address the needs of children and families, as well as individuals, groups and centres that provide these services.

While the public engagement sessions are primarily for parents, the department will also hold one additional session in St. John’s to engage other partners and groups, including child care providers, child care operators, early childhood educators, as well as representatives from Aboriginal, parents, advocacy, education and community groups. For those unable to attend this session in person, telephone and video conferencing will be available.

“Engaging the public on issues that matter most to them, such as child care, is a key priority for our government as we continue to help strengthen families and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This next round of consultations will build on the sessions held last summer and seek new input from parents and other individuals involved in the child care sector.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Acting Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement

Interested parents and child care representatives are also encouraged to submit written feedback to the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services by February 28, 2014. Details regarding written submissions and session registration are included in the backgrounder below.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government will hold a second round of public engagement sessions, which will commence on January 29, for parents and representatives of the child care sector to provide additional feedback on the Child Care Services Act and Regulations review.
• Public engagement sessions will take place throughout the province in Corner Brook, Gander, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and St. John’s.
• To register for a session please contact the department via email (BrendaRicketts@gov.nl.ca) or telephone (709-729-5960) within at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting time.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

BACKGROUNDER
Registration and Written Feedback Process for
Child Care Services Act and Regulations Review

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 feedback will be accepted.

To register for a session or provide written feedback, please contact the Policies and Programs Branch of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services through:

Email: BrendaRicketts@gov.nl.ca 
Telephone: 709-729-5960
Facsimile: 709-729-6382

Those who would like to participate in a session are requested to register at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting time.

Mail:
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

Feedback will be accepted until February 28, 2014.

Schedule for Public Engagement Sessions

2014 01 23             4:30 p.m.