Thompson Children’s World daycare is getting 12 new spaces through the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Childcare Agreement, the provincial government announced April 6.
The new spaces – four for infants and eight for preschool-aged children – are among 780 new spaces being provided across the province at a cost of $22.8 million.
“We’re pleased to announce these new spaces will be created through capital projects based at schools and in communities across Manitoba,” said Families Minister Scott Fielding in a news release. “More licensed spaces in Manitoba will help reduce wait times for families, improve access to quality early learning and child-care services, and meet the needs of Manitoba’s diverse communities.”
The federal-provincial agreement aims to support the creation of 1,400 new and newly funded childcare spaces in Manitoba. Funding for 621 existing licensed childcare spots was announced in early March, including support for eight existing preschool spots at Thompson Children’s World, 11 preschool-aged spots at the Early Learning and Child Care Centre in Thompson and 20 nursery school spots at Thompson’s Riverside Day Care.
“I am pleased that the investments announced in the Canada–Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement in February are being used to increase access to quality and affordable early learning and child care for Manitoba families, giving children a real chance to succeed in life,” said federal Families, Children and Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
Under the agreement with federal government, Manitoba will receive close to $47 million in funding over three years.
Across Manitoba, 10 projects are being developed in schools or on school property for a total of 424 new spaces, while 10 others are in active community locations resulting in an additional 356 new spaces.
“The announcement of these new spaces is very positive,” said Jodie Kehl, executive director of the Manitoba Child Care Association. “Child care in or close to schools offers convenient and accessible options for families, and we believe children and families benefit directly from these successful relationships.”
