Government funding is set to cover half of the cost of a $10 million expansion of Mount Saint Vincent University’s child care centre in Halifax. Ottawa is providing $3 million through a federal-provincial child care agreement, while the province is contributing $2 million and the university $5 million. The expansion will add 82 new child care spaces, including up to 32 infant spaces, to the centre, which currently serves 40 children aged 18 months to five years. This funding will also enhance the education of students in the university’s child and youth study program as they work towards becoming early childhood educators. Design work for the expansion is underway, and construction is expected to take approximately two years to complete.
The Nova Scotia government has committed to creating 9,500 new child care spaces across the province by March 2026. This expansion at Mount Saint Vincent University is just one part of the government’s efforts to increase access to quality child care for families in Nova Scotia. With the demand for child care continuing to grow, the government recognizes the critical need for additional spaces to support working families and ensure that all children have access to early childhood education. By investing in child care infrastructure, the province is working towards building a stronger, more inclusive education system for all children.
The funding for the expansion at Mount Saint Vincent University not only supports the growth of the child care centre but also enhances the educational opportunities for students in the university’s child and youth study program. As students pursue their studies to become early childhood educators, they will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in a supported learning environment. This hands-on experience will help prepare them for careers in the field and ensure that they are well-equipped to meet the needs of young children and their families. The expansion will create new opportunities for students to engage with children of various ages and backgrounds, enriching their educational experience.
The design work for the expansion is currently underway, with construction expected to be completed within two years. This timeline aligns with the government’s broader goals to increase child care spaces across the province by 2026. By investing in the expansion of the child care centre at Mount Saint Vincent University, the government is taking a step towards providing families with the support they need to balance work and family responsibilities. The additional spaces will help to reduce waitlists, provide more options for parents seeking child care, and support the overall wellbeing and development of children in the community. This investment reflects the government’s commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible child care system for all families in Nova Scotia.
Overall, the expansion of Mount Saint Vincent University’s child care centre represents a significant investment in the future of early childhood education in Nova Scotia. Through a partnership between the federal government, the provincial government, and the university, the $10 million project will create new child care spaces, support the education of future early childhood educators, and address the growing demand for quality child care in the province. By working together to expand access to child care, the government and the university are laying the foundation for a stronger, more supportive education system that prioritizes the needs of children and families. This investment signals a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society in which all children have access to high-quality early childhood education and care.
