The Newfoundland and Labrador budget was tabled April 24, 2012.
Government budget documents
News release, 24 Apr 24: Education Investments Focus on Early Learning, Infrastructure
Budget 2012 includes almost $1.7 million for the second year of implementation of the province's early childhood learning strategy, Learning from the Start, which is designed to enhance early learning opportunities for young children and their families. It is part of a three-year $4.8 million investment, announced last year, with an initial focus on the years from birth to age three.
News release, 18 Apr 12: Budget 2012 Invests $2 Million in Family Child Care
"This investment reaffirms our government's commitment to family child care services," said Minister Johnson. "Building on last year's investment, Budget 2012 will allocate $2 million to the Family Child Care Initiative, which continues to provide much needed regulated child care spaces to families with young children."
Pre-budget consultation presentation, Community Sector Council Newfoundland and Labrador, 18 Jan 12
Poverty Reduction and supporting families
Insufficient quality child care and early learning spaces
•The pressing array of barriers, constraints and affordability is a problem for low income and middle income families especially BUT is also a problem for all income levels in terms of consistent quality and access
-High cost, too few spaces, long waiting periods
-Part time needs but people have to pay full time fee level to attend
-Offering tax credits helps only those who pay taxes, those who use formal care (who have official receipts). Credits are of little value to those who cannot afford to pay and wait for a return upon tax filing
-Limited support for child care subsidies while parents are seeking work
-Restricted hours of service does not meet flexible work shifts