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Introduction
The Government of Newfoundland & Labrador, through its Department of Education (EDU) and the Early Learning and Child Development Division (ELCD),has a long history of providing a range of early learning and child care programs for young children and their families. The Operating Grant Program (OGP) for regulated child care services is a key component of the federal and provincial governments’ commitments toward a quality, affordable and accessible national child care system, providing operational funding to child care centres and family child care homes across the province. In June 2023, EDU engaged Deloitte to review and evaluate the OGP to:
- Determine whether the program is meeting its objectives;
- Identify ways to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the program;
- Identify potential unintended impacts to the sector;
- Identify financial efficiencies and process improvements;
- Identify accountability mechanisms;
- Ensure those participating in the program are providing inclusive, quality child care; and
- Develop a roadmap.
While the review considered the sector as a whole, this review focused on the OGP as a key mechanism within the system. This report outlines Deloitte’s key findings and observations, along with recommendations to improve the overall functioning of the program.