Education Minister Paul Dinn has scheduled a meeting with a group of daycare operators who say they will be opting out of the Operating Grant Program on October 1st.
The Opposition raised the alarm about the situation yesterday.
The Liberals claim the board of directors with the advocacy group NL Childcare Licensees recently informed parents that members plan to opt out of the program, which provides daycares with the funding needed to maintain the $10-a-day system.
Education Minister Paul Dinn (VOCM News)
In a statement to VOCM News, government says there has been a policy change to make sure childcare centres are reaching 100 per cent enrollment, rather than just meeting “the minimums.” Government says there is also an existing policy that requires centres to provide financial statements and documentation.
The province says while some centres have “questioned these policies,” the majority do comply. The department admits that change can be difficult for some operators, and it is working with them to address their concerns.
Department staff met with the NL Childcare Licensees last Friday, and Minister Paul Dinn will meet with them tomorrow.
