Early childhood centres can apply for designation

Increasing the number of designated Early Years Centres across Prince Edward Island will help grow accessible, affordable and inclusive childcare services to respond to the needs of Island children and families.

The provincial 2021-2022 operating budget includes $1.4 million to designate up to eight additional Early Years Centres in the province. Existing licensed childcare centres are invited to apply to the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning to become designated.  

“High quality, affordable and accessible early learning and childcare centres have a very positive impact on a child’s development and provide an essential service for working parents. We will continue to make important investments like this that support children and families and help make our Island communities stronger as we move forward in this pandemic.”

- Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Natalie Jameson.

Designated Early Years Centres receive operational funding from government to follow a provincial framework for curriculum, recognized as one of the best in the country, and are staffed by trained Early Childhood Educators. Early Years Centres also have government-regulated fees for parents. 

There are currently 54 provincial Early Years Centres on Prince Edward Island.  

Investments in early childhood education have increased by 41 per cent in the 2021-2022 provincial budget. There is funding for 300 new early learning and childcare spaces including access to a universal pre-kindergarten program, new Early Childhood Coaches, wage increases for Early Years Centre staff, autism assistants and special needs assistants, and beginning in January 2022, parent fees will be reduced to $25 per day.

Media contact:
April Gallant
Department of Education and Lifelong Learning
902-368-6449
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca