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The provincial government's new plan to improve early learning and child-care services is getting a positive reaction from people who work in the field.
They particularly like the part aimed at helping recruit and retain more trained child-care providers.
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The plan -- which includes Ottawa's commitment to provide the first two years of funding -- is worth $21.6 million, and was unveiled by Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne in St. John's Wednesday.
"I think the plan will be very positive for recruitment and retention of staff," said Brenda Fordham, acting co-ordinating director for Memorial University's Child Care Centre.
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Effective immediately and retroactive to April 1, 2006, the government will improve the current educational supplement program by providing an income enhancement of $1,000 to $2,000 for child - care providers earning between $25,000 and $35,000.
The move will benefit approximately 350 child - care providers.
The government will also provide funding of $1.7 million to the College of the North Atlantic to enhance its early childhood- education program. As well, 50 students per year will be provided with training bursaries of $5,000, from 2006 to 2009.
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- Reprinted from the Western Star.