Before and after -school childcare was expanded in Nova Scotia
Expanding After-School Childcare Options in Nova Scotia
The province of Nova Scotia has recently announced plans to expand after-school childcare options for families in the region. With the addition of pre-and-after school programs in 21 schools, more than 1,200 new spaces are expected to be created for the upcoming school year.
These programs are designed to provide care for children between the ages of four to 12 before and after school hours, offering families a convenient and affordable childcare solution. Brendan Maguire, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting families and ensuring access to quality childcare services.
For the 2025-26 school year, a total of 4,000 spaces are expected to be operational in over 100 participating schools, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for childcare services and provide families with more options for their children.
Challenges of Childcare Costs in Halifax
Despite efforts to expand childcare options, Halifax continues to face challenges with high childcare costs. According to the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives, Halifax ranks as the sixth most expensive city for childcare among 35 large Canadian cities.
The median fee for daycare in Halifax is reported to be $24 per day per child, making it more costly than cities like Toronto, Oakville, and Ottawa. The study highlights the need for affordable childcare options to alleviate financial burdens on families and ensure access to quality care for children.
While the federal government has set a target to reduce childcare costs to an average of $10 per day by 2026, there are still significant barriers to achieving this goal. Despite federal funding commitments, the road to affordable childcare remains a challenge for many provinces and regions across Canada.
