Information about the criteria, application process and evaluation for the allocation of preschool spaces in new or existing designated Early Learning and Child Care facilities.
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 and Child Care Centre and Home is a recognition given to licensed Early Learning and Child Care facilities that offer services to preschool children aged five and under, through a voluntary application process. Designated facilities have access to subsidies and financial support through GNB programs and services.
The designated 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.
Policy 901 Space Allocation for Designated Early Learning and Child Care Facilities establishes the criteria for the allocation of spaces and the process for the designation of Early Learning and Child Care facilities by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (the Department). It also establishes the order of priority, the application process, and the evaluation criteria for applying for a new designated licence or the expansion of spaces in existing designated facilities.
Policy 901 Appendix A – Exceptions outlines the criteria for exceptions to Policy 901 and the approval process for these exceptions.
Policy 901 Appendix B – Evaluation Committee outlines the criteria for the evaluation committee.
Operators of designated Early Learning and Child Care facilities must adhere to the requirements outlined in the Early Childhood Services Act and Regulations which support accessibility, affordability, inclusion and improved quality in early learning and childcare. Any changes to Designated spaces must be approved by the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development prior to the changes being made.
Space Allocation for Designated Early Learning and Child Care Facilities
Exceptions
Evaluation committee
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is currently not accepting new applications for designation as all 3,400 spaces have been allocated.
While the Open Call for Proposals has closed, EECD may initiate a call for proposals in specific communities, as stipulated in Policy 901 - Space Allocation for Designated Early Learning and Child Care Facilities.
Step 1
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 not sure if you fit the criteria, we recommend you submit a Step 1A expression of interest for designated ELCC spaces (included in the application for a designated facility).
Application for a designated facility or increase in designated spaces (PDF)
Step 2
Application to operate an ELCC centre (PDF)
Early Learning and Childcare Home applicants submit their Application for a Licence directly to their regional Early Learning and Childcare Services licensing office and indicate in the application if they intend on becoming designated.
Designated ELC Home licenses that will offer, and fill, a minimum of (1) infant space and meet all licensing and designation requirements are exempt from the Call for Proposals process. (Policy 901 – Appendix A - Exemptions)
The Early Learning and Child Care Preschool Designated Space Allocation Grid (Space Allocation Grid), in accordance with Policy 901, objectively supports the direction of public funds to areas with the greatest need for early learning and childcare spaces in the province. The space allocation grid applies only to the creation of designated early learning and childcare spaces.
Note: The Space Allocation Grid does not limit a non-designated operator’s ability to open a new license or to expand an existing non-designated early learning and childcare license.
Capital funding is available to successful applicants in the Call for proposals and ELC Home applicants, for the creation of new designated preschool spaces in New Brunswick AND current operators of designated Not-for-Profit ELCC and designated ELC Homes to expand infant spaces.
There are three Capital Funding Grants available:
Applicants who intend to become licensed without designation, can submit an application to operate a licenced facility to the regional Early Learning and Childcare Services team.
Applications for Designated ELC Home licenses are being accepted by regional Early Learning and Childcare Services teams, throughout the year. Applicants who will offer, and fill, a minimum of one (1) infant space and meet all licensing and designation requirements are exempt from the Call for Proposals process, as per Policy 901.
If you have questions or need help, please contact us.
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-833-221-9339 (toll free)