The groundwork is being laid to reopen regulated child care services in this province.

Currently, services are at Alert Level five, which means care is being provided for children of essential workers only. However, should rates of COVID-19 remain low, regulated child care will move to Alert Level four, which means there will be a limited expansion of services.

As it stands, Minister Brian Warr says child care centres, and family child care homes will be able to reopen as of May 11, based on guidelines being developed along with public health.

A number of operational guidelines—including information on reduced capacities and updated screening procedures—are being developed, and will be provided to regulated child care providers in the coming days.

As well, compensation grants have been extended to May 30.

Further updates will be posted on the provincial government’s COVID-19 website.