In April 2001 the government of New Brunswick announced phase I (2001-2002) of their Early Childhood Development Agenda. In support of a joint commitment by governments to improve and expand early childhood development programs and services, the federal government provided $7.3 million in phase I for early childhood development initiatives and will transfer $9.7 million for phase II (2002-2003). This federal contribution builds on a solid foundation of over $26 million annually from the provincial government on programs and services supporting early childhood development.
This report identifies the supports for early childhood development that were in place prior to the provision of new federal funding. It includes a progress update on the new initiatives announced in phase I to assist pregnant women, children under the age of six and their families; and it describes the enhancement of these initiatives in phase II.