This year, during Early Childhood Education Month, the provincial government thanks all early childhood educators for the impactful work they do. Education Minister Dustin Duncan also highlights additional investments into the Early Childhood Intervention Program. The ECIP is a free service for families with children newborn to six who are experiencing disability or delay.

In this year’s budget, there was an increase of $744,000 for a total of $5.2-million for the 14 ECIPs to address increased demand and waitlists for their services. On average, the programs service about 1,200 families a year.

Dustin also comments that KidsFirst is receiving a $326,000 increase for a total of $16.6-million this year. KidsFirst is oluntary program that helps families in vulnerable situations to become the best parents they can be and to have the healthiest children possible.