Education and child care services to expand in June

Island children and families will have more access to child care and in-school services when some public health restrictions are relaxed on June 1.

“We are fortunate in PEI to be in a position where we can safely renew many services that are very important to children and working parents. Educators are excited about seeing the children and students again, and they look forward to working with them in their familiar environments.”

- Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Brad Trivers

Updated public health guidelines will come into effect June 1 to allow for the expansion of child care, for example:

• the cap of 20 people per licensed child care centre will be removed;  
• the maximum number permitted in a pre-school group will increase from 5 to 8, and the number of children in a school-aged group will increase from 5 to 15; and, 
• Infants can return to centres. 

Parents who have questions about available child care can contact the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning at (902) 368-6513 or Child Care for Essential and Returning Workforce.

The easing of restrictions in Phase 3 will also mean that more services can be offered in schools, for example:

• in-person appointments and small group sessions will be scheduled for students to meet with their classroom and resource teachers to receive more support;
• the respite program will expand to 56 schools on June 1 to offer individualized support to students who have EAs or Youth Service Workers;
• one-to-one counseling will be offered in schools and staff will meet with students who have significant social-emotional needs; and,
• transition sessions will be offered for Kindergarten students and those who are moving on to a new school.

Services offered will differ from school to school, based on the unique needs of the school community. 

More information on in-school activities is available on the education authority websites at Public Schools Branch or CSLF.

Media Contact:
Jean Doherty    
Department of education and Lifelong Learning
(902) 314-5702
jmdoherty@gov.pe.ca