Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS) is set to receive more funds for early learning and child care services this year.

The increase is due to a 2023 update to the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System. Lennox and Addington County Council noted and received the update at their June 21 meeting.

The original CWELCC funding from 2022 was $4,022,300 in fee reduction and workforce compensation base funding. As well as $138,116 in administration funding.

The funding increase this year means PELASS will receive an extra $264,138 in fee reduction and workforce compensation base funding, plus an extra $3,797 for administration funding. There was also an additional $201,147 added for start-up grant funding.

Lynn Chenier, director of Social Services at Lennox and Addington County, said this type of increase for workforce funding is important during a shortage of workers in the field.

"Any increase to workforce funding is definitely welcome so then hopefully centres will be able to attract more ECE staff in order to open up some of those licensed spaces," said Chenier.

Chenier noted that factors including the pandemic, closures, and school boards paying ECE's better wages have impacted the workforce.

"A big component is that they can make more money in other areas and other industries." said Chenier.

PELASS is awaiting updated guidelines on start-up grants, access, and inclusion to help further develop their growth strategy.

In preparation, PELASS staff have been meeting with planning departments in each of the lower tier municipalities, as well as Prince Edward County, to discuss potential child care expansion options. Meetings with each school board are also taking place.

More information regarding the growth strategy will be shared by PELASS as it is developed.

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