Child care spaces are available
Parents in need of child care are encouraged to reach out to their child care center to inquire about available spaces.
“There are currently 440 vacant pre-school child care spaces available throughout the province. I encourage parents who are looking for licensed spaces to contact their child care center directly or reach out to our staff for information at 902 368 6518.”
- Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Brad Trivers
Currently, there are 121 centers and 2,223 spaces open, with 440 vacancies.
More spaces are expected to be available when Phase 4 of the Renew PEI Together plan begins on June 26. At that time, the maximum group size in a centre will increase from eight to 11, including the educator, and the maximum number of children permitted in a centre will be 42. Children who are immune-compromised will be able to return to their centre with parental consent and they will not require a medical note.
Public health protocols continue to be followed in all early learning and child care centres.
Minister Trivers said more child care spaces have become available as the number of children permitted in centres increased, as some parents have not yet returned to work and with more parents working from home.
“We commend our early childhood educators and staff who have worked so hard to ensure that child care has been available throughout the pandemic,” said the minister. “It has been very reassuring for families and all Islanders that our centres continue to offer these critical services as parents return to work and the economy re-opens.”
To date, 500 families with 888 children have been approved for the child care allowance of $75 per day which is available until June 26. Families who were using child care and have not applied for the allowance, can still do so until July 10th by contacting Child Care Services. Families who are in a licensed center do not need to apply.
Media contact:
Jean Doherty
Education and Lifelong Learning
902 314 5702
jmdoherty@gov.pe.ca