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Excerpt: "We are pleased that the ministry recognizes the critical role of early childhood educators in the delivery of quality programs and services. Increasing the density of qualified staff in childcare programs, coupled with the recent hourly wage enhancements are important steps. Expanding the staff qualifications related to older school age children is appropriate given the developmental needs of this age group."

Excerpt: "For Canadian families, high-quality, affordable child care is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. The Government recognizes the deep connection between child care and the economic security of families, and proposes to invest $500 million in 2017–18 to support the establishment of a National Framework on Early Learning and Child Care. Of this amount, $100 million would be for Indigenous child care and early learning on reserve."

Excerpt: "To ensure that all of the conditions for succeeding are in place at the earliest age, we are adding more resources to ensure quality, sustainable childcare services. As my colleague the Minister of Families announced on February 23, childcare and subsidized daycare centres will receive a lump-sum allowance of $60 million in 2015-2016 to facilitate the transition to the new funding model and improve direct services to children."

Presented by Francesca Dobbin, Director, University of Toronto Family Programs & Services Division of Human Resources & Equity; Patricia Chorney Rubin, Director, George Brown College School of Early Childhood; Bernice Cipparrone McLeod, Atkinson Centre Executive Director; Kerry McCuaig, Atkinson Centre Fellow In Early Childhood Policy, March 16, 2016, to the Early Learning Division, Ministry of Education, Ontario.

Excerpt: "The 2016-17 provincial budget tabled today in the legislative assembly outlines plans to put the province’s finances on the right track, protect education and health care and invest in job creation."

Excerpt: "Ontario is also investing in child care by creating approximately 4,000 new licensed child care spaces in local schools to give children the opportunity to transition more easily into full-day kindergarten. These new spaces will be built in areas of high demand and will enhance access to quality child care options for families across the province. This investment is another step towards a modern child care and early years system that will enhance programs and supports for children in Ontario."

Excerpt: "The ministry is now consulting on Phase 2 regulations to continue to support the government's vision for child care modernization and its commitment to have in place before and after school programs for children age 6-12 years in publicly-funded schools."

Excerpt: "The Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, Family Minister and Minister responsible for the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, Mr. Sébastien Proulx, is pleased to announce the new structure of financing of subsidized childcare."

Excerpt: "Ontario is delivering on its commitment to make access to child and family programs easier by announcing the launch of Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centres. These hubs will offer parents and their children a suite of high-quality early years programs, as well as local services tailored to their communities."

Excerpt: "Budget 2016 provides significant new investments in core programs while maintaining governments ongoing commitment to disciplined and prudent fiscal planning. Government is presenting balanced budget results in each year of the fiscal plan for the fourth year in a row."

Inside an early education program: from the perspective of children, parents and educators.

The Honourable Margaret McCain, discusses the importance of early childhood education.