The New Brunswick Child Care Review Task Force has issued its final report with recommendations for achieving a “high-quality, affordable, accessible and inclusive early learning and childcare system for families […] by moving toward a system that is publicly managed and supported by incrementally greater public investment over time.” This is a hugely important development.
The executive summary of the report, Valuing children, families and childcare explains that
Early learning and childcare as social infrastructure requires increased public investment to support curriculum that is well researched, well-funded, thoughtfully implemented and carefully monitored; educators and operators who are well-educated with ongoing access to professional development and education; and local governance and coordination of services. […]
The recommendations are designed to achieve a high-quality, affordable, accessible and inclusive early learning and childcare system for families; one that is sustainable for future generations, by moving the sector toward a system that is publicly managed and supported by incrementally greater public investment over time. This transformation can be brought about through government’s continuing commitment to sustained funding and high-quality early learning and childcare through curricula and workforce development.