New Brunswick is launching an open call for proposals to create designated early learning and child-care spaces.
Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan said they know there is a need for more spaces in the province.
“The open call for proposals will allow current and prospective operators ongoing opportunities to apply for child-care spaces on a predictable basis and, in turn, enable us to open new spaces faster,” Hogan said in a news release on Friday.
“Increasing the availability of child-care services will have a direct, positive impact on families in our province, particularly for women who are looking to return to the workforce after parental leave.”
The province said it will use a data-driven process to determine where new designated spaces should be made available, reflecting 2021 census information and the provincial early learning and child-care waitlist.
Officials said non-profit centres will be prioritized, but proposals for all types of facilities will be considered.
Capital funding grants are also being made available to support applicants who are successful in the process.
The department introduced a call-for-proposals process back in January. It led to more than 600 spaces allocated to operators in two dozen communities, according to figures provided by the province.
In an effort to spur more spaces in smaller communities, people will not need to go through the call for proposals process if they are looking to open a designated early learning and child-care home.
Under the Canada-New Brunswick Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the province aims to create 3,400 designated spaces by March 31, 2026.
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