Investments in the Child Care Subsidy Program will provide more low- and moderate-income Island families with equitable access to childcare services, says Community Services, Seniors and Labour Minister Janice Sherry.
“Our government recognizes the benefits of the Child Care Subsidy Program and we are pleased to provide further assistance to families who are currently assisted by the program and to extend the eligibility requirements to help more Island families with the costs of childcare,” said Minister Sherry. “The Child Care Subsidy Program also helps to support continued social and economic prosperity for Island families and communities.”
Effective September 1, 2010, Government will invest $300,000 into the Child Care Subsidy Program, as part of Government’s overall Preschool Excellence Initiative. These investments will increase the per diem rates for those who already receive support and will expand the income thresholds for the program, allowing more low- and moderate-income Island families to receive assistance and more children to receive access to childcare services in preparation for kindergarten.
Per Diem Subsidy Rate Changes Include:
• Infants: $30/day will increase to $32/day
• 2 year olds: $23/day will increase to $26/day
• 3 year olds to school-age: $22/day will increase to $25/day
These per diem rates are in line with Government’s Preschool Excellence Initiative.
“With the changes to the Child Care Subsidy Program, and the implementation of the Preschool Excellence Initiative, this government is opening up opportunities to many Island families who, otherwise, may not have had access to programs like this,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister, Doug Currie. “This plan provides support to Island children from birth to age four as well as their parents and their educators. It allows us to work together to build a system that will ensure access to early learning programs across our One Island Community.”
Over 950 families received support through the Child Care Subsidy Program in the month of July, which benefited nearly 1500 Island children.
The Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour delivers the Child Care Subsidy Program to assist families with the costs of licensed childcare. Subsidies are used to pay tuition costs for early childhood programs licensed by the Child Care Facilities Board. This includes Early Years Centres, Infant Homes and private licensed childcare centres.
Any Island family needing financial support for childcare costs may apply. The Child Care Subsidy Program eligibility depends on the net monthly family income and is determined by a sliding scale income test based on family size.
For more information on the Child Care Subsidy Program, visit the Department’s website at www.gov.pe.ca/sss.