More help available for child care costs

Supporting Island families -

Child care will be more affordable and accessible for Island families.

The child-care subsidy provided by the Prince Edward Island government is increasing. Rates for school-aged child care and private sitters will be raised and the number of families whose child care cost is fully subsidized will also increase.    

“Child care can be a major cost for families and many simply cannot afford it,” Family and Human Services Minister Tina Mundy said. “We want as many children as possible to benefit from high-quality child care, and these enhancements will help make that happen.” 

The changes will benefit more than 200 Island children and include:
•    the private sitter rate is increasing from $20 to $30 a day for infants and $20 to $25 for children two years and older;
•    the before and after-school child care half-day rate is increasing from $10 to $15 and the full day rate is increasing from $20 to $30; and
•    the number of families who will receive full subsidy is increasing from 720 to 794 families for those under a defined income level.

These changes complement enhancements made by government last fall that also increased financial support to help families pay for child care services.   

“High quality child care and early childhood experiences have a huge influence on a child’s performance in school and success in later life,” Minister Mundy said.  “When we invest in children, we are contributing to their success and future prosperity.”

For more information on the child care subsidy program visit
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/family-and-human-services/help-child-care-expenses  or call 1-877-569-0546 to see what help may be available for you.   

Media contact:
Darlene Gillis
Department of Family and Human Services
ddgillis@gov.pe.ca
902-620-3409