Monday, Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant announced $1.5 million in funding to create Early Years Family Resource Centres in seven communities – The Battlefords, Meadow Lake, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and one in the North.
The new centres will be developed through community partnerships led by KidsFirst, who will be responsible for finding physical space in each of the communities, hiring staff and developing programing for a planned opening in fall 2019. Funding is being provided through the Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
“Over the past year, our three existing sites have had nearly 50,000 visits,” Wyant said. “The benefits of this model can be seen today, and I have no doubt the additional centres will have a lasting impact on all members within their communities.”
Early Years Family Resource Centres provide a place where families with young children can access reliable information, services and supports to help them raise healthy children. Expert advice could be made available on everything from how to connect with your children, to how to stimulate your child’s development. There could also be interactive activities for babies and toddlers, and support groups where young parents can share their experiences with others and seek advice.
