On September 23, Environment Minister Dustin Duncan on behalf of Education Minister Donna Harpauer, joined parents, dignitaries and representatives from the South East Cornerstone School Division to celebrate the opening of a 25 space licensed child care centre in Pangman.
"The Government of Saskatchewan continues to make significant progress in increasing the number of licensed child care spaces in Saskatchewan," Duncan said. "The 25 new spaces at Pangman School are part of that investment. More children will now have access to high quality early learning opportunities while their parents are following their own education or employment pursuits."
The Government of Saskatchewan provided more than $856,000 for the new child care centre, including $753,582 for capital renovations. In addition, $103,376 in one-time funding was provided to develop the spaces, including $84,000 in space development grant funding, $13,226 to assist with the purchasing of equipment and furnishings and $6,413 for materials and equipment that enhance early learning.
"We are extremely excited with the addition of valuable infrastructure for our community," Pangman Daycare Board Chair Elwood White said. "Early childhood education is extremely valuable in helping young children transition from pre-school to school as well as learn skills necessary for future successes. The government's willingness to provide funding for licensed child care spaces in an area experiencing renewed growth and optimism is very encouraging and shows great forward thinking."
Since November 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has made a record investment in licensed child care, allocating funding for 3,435 new child care spaces to communities across the province. This represents a 30 per cent increase in child care spaces since 2007.
