Nova Scotia Before and After Program

When, where and how can I register my child for the Nova Scotia Before and After Program in my area?

If your child will be attending a school where the Nova Scotia Before and After Program is available, you can register by contacting the program provider directly.

Who is eligible to attend? Is it only for pre-primary children? 

Children from pre-primary to Grade 6 are eligible to apply for the program. However, pre-primary, primary and grade one children (children ages 4, 5 and 6) have priority to enrol in new spaces offered by a NS BAP site. 

If spaces exist at the NS BAP site once pre-primary, primary and grade one enrolment is complete, the Program Provider may extend NS BAP enrolment to other families with children attending school at the site, up to Grade 6 and/or age 12. 

Each provider will determine their registration process.

Is there a deadline to apply? 

Each provider will determine their own registration process including deadlines. Please contact the provider delivering the program at your school for more information.

Can I place my child in any Nova Scotia Before and After Program, in any school I want? 

No. Your child is only eligible to register in the Nova Scotia Before and After Program at the school they are attending.

If my child attends the Nova Scotia Before and After Program this year, will they automatically be provided a space next year? 

Providers will determine the registration process. Families should direct questions about registration to the provider for their school.

When will the program start? 

The program will start as soon as providers have staff in place to deliver the programming. We recognize that some providers may need a little more time to prepare. Providers will be in direct contact with families who have registered to advise them of a start date.

Is there a cost and what is it? 

Yes. This is a fee-based program. The fee will be set by the provider. Depending on your household income, you may be eligible to receive subsidy to reduce the cost. For more information on Child Care Subsidy and to see if you are eligible, visit https://novascotia.ca/ChildCareSubsidy/

My child already takes part in a before and after program at their school. Am I eligible for subsidy? 

To be considered eligible for subsidy, your child must be registered in any licensed child care centre in the province or the Nova Scotia Before and After Program. A list of Nova Scotia Before and After Program providers is provided at the bottom of this web page.

What hours will the program run? 

The provider will determine the program hours, but they based on family need. Typically, programs start at 7am and end between 5 and 6pm.

Does the program include professional development days, in-services, holidays and storm days? 

The program will operate with the school schedule. If the school is closed for professional development days, holidays or storm days, the program will not run.

My child is a bus student. Are they still able to register? 

Busing begins and ends outside the Nova Scotia Before and After Program hours. As a result, buses will not arrive at school on time to access the before program and will leave before the after program begins.

Do I need to send extra clothes? Food? Any special items with my child? 

Children and students in the program will receive a snack every day. Families do not need to pack food or toys. Families will need to make sure their child has appropriate clothing for outdoor play.

Can my child attend only the before or after portion, or must they attend both? 

We encourage providers to work with families to meet their needs where and when possible. This will be an operational decision of the provider. Please discuss program options directly with the provider delivering the program at your school.

Why isn’t this program available at all schools in the province? How were sites selected? 

We worked closely with the Regional Centres for Education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial to identify sites based on where need was greatest.

Who will be responsible to provide programming for my child in the program? 

Only approved providers will be able to deliver the Nova Scotia Before and After Program. These will be regulated child care or recreation providers.

Who do I speak with if I have a concern? 

If you have a concern with the staff or the program, please contact the Nova Scotia Before and After Program provider at your school.

Will the number of staff to children/students in the program be the same as a before and after program at a child care centre? 

The Nova Scotia Before and After Program must be staffed by at least two staff at all times. The maximum group size is 30 participants.

My child has a special need. Will the Nova Scotia Before and After Program be inclusive? 

Yes. The Nova Scotia Before and After Program will be an inclusive program.

My child has a condition that requires medication be administered. Will the provider make sure my child takes their medication and assist in administering it? 

The provider will work with families to ensure the needs of the child are met. Please discuss your individual case with your provider when registering.

My child has a life-threatening allergy. Will my child be safe in the program? 

If your child has a life-threatening allergy, it’s important to advise the provider upon registration and again before their first day, so a plan can be put in place to keep your child safe.