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.