Excerpts
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The morning gathering was organized by Rhonda Sheppard, a daycare operator who used to offer child-care services for up to six children at her home. Unfortunately, she had to stop after a house fire in October of 2023.
But even before the fire, Sheppard says she had started the push for a registered daycare centre within the town of St. George's.
For two years now, she has been trying to turn an old store on the main road into a centre to hold up to 35 children.
Sheppard says she has the building, the wait list, even the staff, but she is struggling to receive approval from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
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When CBC News inquired about the status of the new daycare, director of communications Angela Sullivan sent an emailed statement that said the department is reviewing applications for new daycare centres.
"The department carefully evaluates each submission to ensure a thorough and fair assessment process," wrote Sullivan.
"The provincial government remains committed to ensuring access to high-quality, affordable child care for families across the province."
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