We are committed to supporting the childcare sector with higher wages through the Canada-Wide Agreement.

Learn more here.

In Nova Scotia, Early Learning and Child Care programs are regulated by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
The primary objective of the Early Learning & Child Care, and Early Childhood Development & Pre-primary branches, within EECD, is to support the health and well-being of children and their families by supporting the development of programs, services, legislation and policy that enhance inclusive service options for all children and their families.
Services offering early learning and child care to Nova Scotia’s youngest citizens include:
Regulated Child Care including agencies licensed to provide Family Home Child Care Programs
Nova Scotia’s Pre-primary Program including the Nova Scotia Before and After School Program


Nova Scotia’s Regulated child care programs and Pre-primary programs are led by highly skilled and trained early childhood educators, who provide quality and inclusive experiences to children and families by:

  • Recognizing children as constructors of knowledge.
  • Recognizing educators as researchers and collaborators.
  • Valuing children’s lives and recognizing that they are shaped by their families, communities, language, and culture.
  • Providing early learning environments that are holistic, inclusive, and reflect and respond to children’s interests, ideas, and curiosities.
  • Promoting play as integral to children’s well-being and learning.
  • Supporting the social competencies of young children.
Regulated early learning and child care (ELCC) programs are fee based and include licensed child care centres and family home child care agencies.
Regulated Early Learning and Child Care
Capable, Confident, and Curious: Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework guides the practice of ECEs and pedagogical leaders who work with young children from birth to age 8.
Capable, Confident, and Curious: Nova Scotia's Early Learning Curriculum Framework
Nova Scotia’s Pre-primary Program is free for all 4-year-old children and is offered in every public elementary school in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia' Pre-primary Program
Quality Matters is a province-wide assessment program that will be used to determine eligibility for funding for licensed child care centres
Quality Matters: A provincial quality improvement program for licensed child care centres.