The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that $18.9 million in federal restart funds will be allocated to licensed child care centres and homes in the province. The funding is meant to target support facilities financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funds are also aimed at helping facilities remain open, take additional safety precautions and support child care needs for parents or caregivers heading back to work.
“The government recognizes the additional financial pressures being experienced by child care facilities in providing quality early learning and child care opportunities during the pandemic,” stated Education Minister Dustin Duncan in a news release.
“This investment will give certainty to those who work in the sector and provide them with the support and resources they need to continue safely caring for children.”
The funds will be split into two grants:
- one-time COVID Supplement Grant of $600 per space to all licensed child care centres and homes totalling nearly $10.6 million; and
- one-time Deficit Support Grant will be provided to those facilities that experienced deficits based on the financial information submitted to the ministry in February for a total of more than $8.3 million.
“Facilities eligible for the Deficit Support Grant will receive detailed payment information from their early learning and child care consultant,” added the government statement.
