Information about the criteria, application process and evaluation for the allocation of spaces within a designated early learning child care facility.
As part of the Canada-New Brunswick Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement (Canada-Wide Agreement), the Government of New Brunswick (GNB) is committed to increasing access to affordable, quality and inclusive early learning and childcare, for New Brunswick families.
The province is committed to supporting the creation of 3,400 new Designated childcare spaces for children 0-5 years of age prior to school entry, in areas of greatest need, between 2021 and 2026.
The designation of a New Brunswick early learning centre and home is a recognition given to licensed early learning and childcare facilities that offer services to preschool children aged five and under, through a voluntary application process. The facility commits to providing equitable and affordable access to higher quality, inclusive early learning and childcare services by removing barriers linked to family income, children’s ability and needs, language, and minority settings.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is not taking new applications for designation at this time as all 3, 400 spaces have been allocated. Please check later for special calls for proposals.
While the Open Call for Proposals has closed, EECD may initiate special calls in specific communities, as stipulated in Policy 901-Space Allocation for Designated Early Learning and Child Care Facilities.
Policy 901 outlines the designation allocation process and potential Special Calls for Proposals in targeted communities by EECD. There are no plans to revert to previous methods. Operators can still establish non-designated licensed child care centers. However, for those seeking designation after they have obtained a licence to operate an Early Learning and Child Care center, Policy 901 applies.
Applicants interested in opening a designated Early Learning and Child Care Home please contact your Regional Early Learning and Childcare Services team for application details and guidance.
The two (2) step application includes Step 1A and B for preliminary approval for designation and Step 2 for approval. If you are a potential applicant but are unclear if you fit the criteria, we recommend you submit an expression of interest for designated ELCC spaces.
Early learning and childcare facilities can establish themselves as a designated not-for-profit facility.
Policy 901 - space allocation for designated early learning and childcare facilities establishes the application process, the criteria that must be considered when determining the location, number and type of spaces to be allocated, and the evaluation criteria for the creation of new designated preschool spaces in New Brunswick. The policy supports the creation of designated spaces in areas of greatest need to better support families participating in the province’s labour force, particularly women seeking to join, or return to, the workforce.
Space Allocation for Designated Early Learning and Child Care Facilities
Exceptions
Evaluation committee
Capital funding is available to successful applicants in the Call for proposals process for the creation of new designated preschool spaces in New Brunswick AND current operators of designated Not-for-Profit ELCC and designated ELCC Homes to expand infant spaces.
There are three Capital Funding Grants available:
1. Designation Start-Up Funding - New Licence ELCC Coordination Grant
2. New Space Creation Implementation Grant
3. Expansion for Infants Spaces Grant – Renovations
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Email: EECDPortal-PortailEDPE@gnb.ca.
Phone: 1-833-221-9339 (toll free)