Special-needs child care center losing space due to pre-primary

Complete disruption in services for the families

HALIFAX –The Halifax Developmental Centre for Early Learning (HDCEL) has been told by the Halifax Regional School Board that they will lose office space at Joseph Howe Elementary School, with less than a week’s notice, due to the government’s rushed roll-out of the pre-primary program. The HDCEL has run individualized programs for children with special needs out of the space for 50 years.

“North-end Halifax is very fortunate to have several long-term child care providers who have responded to our community’s needs, especially for children with special needs,” said Lisa Roberts, the NDP MLA for Halifax Needham. “This rushed roll-out of pre-primary is now putting one of these child care providers in jeopardy.”

The HDCEL first opened in 1967 and has always been based out of Joseph Howe Elementary School. The Centre provides services for about 40 children. HDCEL has invested more than $150,000 over the last few years in the school to create an accessible playground, wheelchair lifts, kitchen improvements, and a sensory room.

The Centre has three classrooms and an office in the school. The office space will be turned into a pre-primary classroom, forcing HDCEL to move their toddler class in with preschoolers and operate just two classrooms to try and continue serving the children and their families. The office space is also where Halifax Association for Community Living’s Inclusion & Family Support program operates, which provides advocacy, referrals, employability skills placements, and a parent support group.

“This is going to be a complete disruption in services for the families we serve,” said Andrea Urquhart, Director of HDCEL. “We provide service and support to the community. We have always felt like we were part of the school, until now. This rushed decision is heart-breaking and intimidating.”

Child care centres around the province have been raising concerns about the government’s hasty roll-out of the pre-primary program, and the lack of consultation with providers. The pre-primary program will have no specialized supports for children.

“The government has failed to communicate or consult with anyone before rolling out this program,” said Claudia Chender, NDP Education and Early Childhood Development spokesperson. “Child care providers are upset, parents are anxious because they don’t know what is happening, and many children may see disruptions in their programs. I expect we will see more stories like this in the days ahead.”

• 30 –

For more information please contact Kyle Buott at (902) 266-2068.