REGINA — The Regina Early Learning Centre is pushing back against alleged claims of funding cuts.
A statement on the organization’s page says funding from the province’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, or Ministry of Social Services has not been cut. Instead, the alleged funding loss comes from an unspecified donor pulling out from the centre.
“The funding loss our organization experienced came from an anonymous donor who made the decision to withdraw funding from Saskatchewan entirely. This decision was outside of our organization’s control and was not the result of any wrongdoing or actions by our staff or leadership,” according to the statement.
Funding from the donor helped the centre with the costs for preschool program and transportation services. The loss in money with rising fuel, insurance and liability costs has led the centre to remove transportation services for the program for the foreseeable future.
“We understand how important these services are to families, and this was not a decision made lightly,” according to the statement.
Despite cutting transportation services, the centre is reassuring families that its location at Fifth Avenue, Kids First program and all outreach programs are still operating normally.
“We remain committed to supporting children and families in our community through early learning opportunities, family programming, resources and supports."
The centre will continue exploring partnership opportunities and local support to sustain its preschool program and find options for future service enhancement, the organization said.
