Increase Supported Child Development Funding

Ministry of Children and Family Development Government is committed to continuing to fund Supported Child Development SCD and Aboriginal Supported Child Development ASCD programs, enabling increased access to inclusive child care. These programs have a base budget of 70M, and an additional 10M annual enhancement though the Canada-BC Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Through Budget 2021, Government allocated an additional 16.8M to these programs to increase access to an estimated 2000 more families. In 202223, an additional 15M will be invested under the Canada Wide Early Learning and Care Agreement, enabling SCD and ASCD programs to expand services and partner with child care providers to build capacity through professional learning opportunities. Consultation in 201920 and 202021 indicated a need for more information, resources and training opportunities for child care providers to support effective, inclusive child care. The ministry has undertaken four significant projects to support a base level of knowledge across all child care providers, including the development of an Inclusive Child Care Tooklit launched October 2021 and funding the development of the following projects by CanAssist at the University of Victoria: - An Inclusive Child Care Online Professional Learning Module virtual launch event anticipated for June 2022 - A series of toileting resources to support child care providers in providing inclusive care to children at all stages of toilet learning, regardless of age launched October 2021 - A second online professional learning module and other deliverables focused on positive approaches to childrens behaviour estimated completion by spring 2023