New Brunswick has been ranked first nationwide in early childhood education, according to a report by the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
The report, released every three years since 2011, evaluates five categories: governance, funding, access, learning environments, and accountability.
Using information from March 2023, New Brunswick has a score of 13.25 out of 15 and has been improving over time.
- 2011 – 4.5 points
- 2014 – 8 points
- 2017 – 9.5 points
- 2020 – 10.75 points
- 2023 – 13.25 points
Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan said the province is committed to providing quality early learning and child-care services to New Brunswick families, and the results of this report show how far the province has come.
“Those who work in the early learning sector are shaping the adults of tomorrow, and they are supporting families who are at work and studying. They work incredibly hard every day and we deeply appreciate the work they do in laying the foundation for our youngest learners,” said Hogan.
Hogan said initiatives such as the New Brunswick Early Learning Centre and New Brunswick Early Learning Home designation program have laid the groundwork for a high-quality system accessible to all families, ensuring every child receives the support needed to thrive. He also said this created a strong and comprehensive foundation as a framework for early learning in the province.