Early Childhood Development
The experiences children have early in life have a direct impact on their overall growth, development and well-being. The Province of Prince Edward Island is committed to supporting children and families in the early years.
Find an early childhood program for your child
Selecting the early learning and child care centre that is best for you and your child depends on several things. The location, hours of operation, fees, and age group served are often the first things considered. As well, you will want to visit centres to meet the staff and to get a sense of the how the staff interact with the children, review the menu and parent policies, and ask questions.
Visit the PEI Early Learning and Child Care Registry to see what options are available for your child and to add your child's name to an early learning and child care wait list.
Your search for the early learning and child care program which best meets your needs may be supported with the following resources:
- Guide to Quality Child Care (Early Childhood Development Association of PEI)
- Directory of Licensed Early Learning and Child Care Centres
- Family Home Child Care - Frequently Asked Questions
- Early Years Centre Designation - Criteria
Child Care Subsidy
The Child Care Subsidy Program covers all or part of the cost of child care in licensed early learning and child care centres, nursery programs, Early Years Centres, family home day cares, and before- and after-school programs for eligible families. Subsidy rate varies, depending on the size of your family, age of children, and your household income.
Check out the online Child Care Subsidy calculator to find out if you may be eligible
Other early childhood programs and supports
Families with young children can access a number of supports.
Family Resource Centres offer parent education and support groups, resources, drop-in play, and other programs for children and families.
Parenting supports like Triple P - Positive Parenting Program and Handle with Care are offered across PEI.
The Best Start Home Visiting Program offers eligible families extra support during their child’s first three years.
Autism services are available for preschool and school-age children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism funding is available to support families of children with autism spectrum disorders.
Who can I contact for more information?
Education and Early Years
Early Years Division
Summerside Office
Holman Centre
250 Water St., Suite 101
Summerside, PE C1N 1B6
Tel: (902) 438-4854
Fax: (902) 438-4874
Email: ymwinchester@gov.pe.ca
Charlottetown Office
Aubin Arsenault Building
3 Brighton Road
Charlottetown, PE C1A 8T6
Tel: (902) 368-6513
Fax: (902) 569-7532
Email: mmmcclean@gov.pe.ca