Cape Breton grandparent calling for expansion in before-and-after school programs

The Nova Scotia government is taking steps to expand before-and-after school programs, much to the approval of one Cape Breton grandparent. Charlene Graham, a former teacher at Donkin Elementary School, has been helping out with before-and-after school care for her grandchildren and believes there has always been a need for such programs in the local community.

Graham highlighted the changing rural demographics, noting that fewer families have multiple generations available to help with child care. She emphasized the importance of having access to before-and-after school care, especially for families with parents working non-traditional hours or in seasonal industries.

Pam AuCoin, the Department of Education’s executive director of early learning and child care, confirmed that the province is looking to expand the number of before-and-after school programs. The department has sent out surveys to parents in over 90 elementary catchment areas to assess the demand for these programs.

AuCoin explained that the province’s efforts to increase before-and-after school programs are in line with the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement signed in 2021. The goal is to provide families with more options for child care, allowing parents to stay in the workforce or pursue other activities while ensuring their children are well taken care of.

The survey, which closes today at 4 p.m., will help determine which schools should keep their existing programs and which areas need new ones. The province expects to notify parents of any new school programs by July, providing much-needed support for families in need of before-and-after school care.

Overall, the initiative to expand before-and-after school programs in Nova Scotia is a step in the right direction towards supporting working families and ensuring children have access to quality care and educational opportunities.