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New recommendations call for stronger investment in child care in Newfoundland and Labrador

Child Care Now Newfoundland and Labrador is urging the provincial government to strengthen its investment in early learning and child care (ELCC) to protect and expand the province’s growing system of affordable care.

Ahead of the provincial budget expected in Spring 2026, the chapter has submitted a set of recommendations to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador calling for sustained investment to maintain $10-a-day parent fees, expand licensed child care spaces, and strengthen supports for early childhood educators (ECEs).

Among its key recommendations, Child Care Now Newfoundland and Labrador is calling on the provincial government to:

  • Maintain the maximum parent fee of $10-a-day, with further fee reductions for low-income families through the Child Care Subsidy Program.
  • Dedicate new capital funding to expand non-profit and public child care spaces.
  • Create a defined benefit pension plan for early childhood educators.
  • Increase funding to strengthen the ECE Wage Grid and ELCC Medical Benefits Plan.
  • Introduce 10 mandatory paid sick days for ECEs through the Operating Grant Program.
  • Prioritize non-profit and public expansion to ensure accountability and strong public return on investment.
  • Ensure transparency in policy decisions and costs through consultation with the ELCC sector and advocates.

Together, these measures aim to protect affordability for families, strengthen the child care workforce, and ensure the continued growth of a high-quality system across the province.

Read the full recommendation document here.