More daycare spaces slated for Halifax area, Cape Breton

Nova Scotia Government Invests $9 Million in Daycare Expansion in Halifax and Cape Breton

The Nova Scotia government has announced a significant investment of nearly $9 million to support daycare operators in Halifax and Cape Breton in expanding their operations. This funding is expected to create up to 335 new daycare spaces, with some of them potentially becoming available within the next year.

Pam AuCoin, the Executive Director of Early Learning and Child Care at the Education Department, stated that while most of the newly announced spaces are slated for completion by March 2026, there is a possibility that some may be available sooner. The goal is to provide more accessible and affordable childcare options for families in these regions.

Several daycare operators in the Halifax area are set to benefit from this funding, including ForestKids Early Learning Organization in Hammonds Plains, Silver Crescent Academy in Bedford, Tots Early Learning Society in Enfield and Lantz, Cunard Street Children’s Centre in Halifax, By the Sea Early Learning in Upper Tantallon, and North End Community Day Care in Halifax. Additionally, the Glace Bay Youth and Family Centre in Cape Breton has committed to creating up to 49 new spaces.

The funding for this expansion comes from a $605-million agreement signed with the federal government in 2021 to create a total of 9,500 new daycare spaces in Nova Scotia by March 2026. In addition to supporting expansions, the government aims to reduce childcare costs for parents, with a target of an average daily rate of $10. AuCoin noted that the province has already achieved a 50% reduction in childcare fees and is on track to reach the $10-a-day goal by the specified deadline.

With approximately 5,200 new spaces already created, Nova Scotia is making progress towards fulfilling its commitment under the agreement. AuCoin expressed confidence in the ongoing initiatives and partnerships with daycare providers, believing that the province will successfully reach the target of 9,500 new spaces by March 2026.

The investment in daycare expansion is a crucial step towards improving access to quality childcare services for families in Halifax and Cape Breton. By creating more spaces and driving down costs, the government is working towards ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive high-quality early learning and care.