Nova Scotia is undergoing a historic transformation of early learning and child care.
Phase One – Public Engagement
On October 25, we concluded a province-wide tour, engaging parents and primary caregivers about their early learning and child care needs.
Phase Two – Sector Engagement
The next step in the process is to gather input from the sector.
We’d like to hear from Early Childhood Educators working in licensed child care settings (Centres, Family Home Agencies, and individual family homes) and before and after school programs. We’d also like to hear from those administering licensed child care programs, and before and after school programs (Directors, Assistant Directors and other leaders).
We will host four virtual workshops, each focusing on one of the following topics: affordability, access, inclusion, and quality.
Refer to the table below for workshop descriptions.
In each workshop, we will:
- Provide updates on progress and plans.
- Share what we heard from families and community members during phase one.
- Listen to ideas on ways we can continue to build a brighter future for children and families.
Details:
Workshops will take place the weeks of March 18th and March 25th on MicrosoftTeams Feedback received throughout the entire consultation process will inform future plans. We will also share feedback in a public report, which will be made available in 2024.
Questions about the engagement can be directed to: elccengagement@novascotia.ca
Workshop Descriptions and Registration:
- Please register for the workshop(s) of interest to you.
- We will host break-out discussions on the sub-topics listed below. You will be asked to indicate sub-topics of interest upon registering.
Registration will close Thursday March 14th at 12pm.
Topic | Date & Time | Sub Topics for Discussion | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability | Tuesday March 19th 6:00 – 8:00pm | Affordability for families With the rising cost of living, many families require further affordability supports for early learning and child care. What should we consider as we continue to make child care more affordable for families? Image
 Cost of Care for Providers As we embark on developing a new publicly funded cost model, what do you want us to know about the cost of providing early learning and child care? | Registration closed |
| Access | Thursday March 21st 6:00 – 8:00pm | Space Availability Flexible Scheduling The desire for more flexible care is a common theme for families, particularly those in healthcare and seasonal industries. What should be considered as we explore flexible scheduling options? Image
 Waitlist Practices Long waitlists and inconsistent waitlist management practices can significantly impact parents. What should be considered when it comes to managing access to spaces? Barriers to Family Home Child Care Licensed Family Home Care plays a vital role in the early learning and child care landscape. What should be considered as we continue to grow the Family Home Child Care sector? | Registration closed |
| Quality | Tuesday March 26th 6:00 – 8:00pm | Workforce Supports Families support the continued professionalization of the sector, emphasizing the need for a well-compensated, qualified, and stable workforce. What should be considered as we continue to stabilize and strengthen the workforce? Quality Programming Families are seeking a more consistent child care experience across the province, regardless of where they live, especially when it comes to operational policies and practices. What should be considered as we continue to develop guidance and program standards? What are opportunities for standardization, and where should flexibility be considered? Image
 Training for Quality Families desire a well-trained and qualified workforce that is equipped to deliver high quality early learning and child care. What should be considered as we continue to strengthen and develop quality ECE training programs? Navigating the System Families are seeking clearer information about options, available spaces, and support services. What should be considered as we improve communications for families? | Registration closed |
| Inclusion | Thursday March 28th 6:00 – 8:00pm | Disability Supports Parents of children with disabilities and complex needs stressed the need for inclusive care that facilitates full participation for all children. What should we consider as we continue to improve supports for children with disabilities? Cultural Diversity and Equity Families have expressed the need for more culturally responsive programming and representation in the sector. What should be considered as we continue our work in this area? Image
 Training and Professional Learning for Inclusion Families feel that the sector should be better supported to care for children with disabilities. What should be considered as we continue to improve training specific to inclusion? (note: in this discussion, we will do a deep dive on staff training, whereas the Disability Supports breakout will focus on broader supports) Communication and Awareness Families emphasized that open, consistent, and personalized communication is key to a positive early learning experience. This is especially crucial when a child has complex needs. What should be considered as we consider ways to enhance family / parent communication? | Registration closed |
Additional Resources
- Need a list of child care options in your community? Directory of Licensed Child Care Facilities
- Want to learn about financial support available for child care? Child Care Subsidy Program
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