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HUMBOLDT— A total of $430,000 will be going to the startup of Early Years Family Resource Centres in Humboldt and Estevan.

Early Years Family Resource Centres offer a range of drop-in and scheduled programming for families with young children up to five years of age.

These include activities for babies and toddlers, access to information, professionals, as well as support groups where parents can share their experiences with others and seek advice.

The funding, announced by the province on April 12, is being provided through the Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Each facility will be allocated $215,000.

The new centres will be developed through community partnerships led by Horizon School Division and Â鶹ÊÓƵ East Cornerstone School Division. 

The divisions will be responsible for leading a community planning team that will develop the local centres, which are planned for opening in fall 2021.

"We know families in Horizon School Division and the community of Humboldt will see a great benefit from the supports and opportunities made available by this Early Years Family Resource Centre," said Kevin Garinger, director of education with the Horizon School Division.

"We look very forward to welcoming children and families to this space to learn, grow and play."

According to the province, the communities were selected following analysis based on a combination of population, vulnerability and community readiness required to successfully develop and operate a centre.

"Our government is pleased to support families across Saskatchewan with record investments in early childhood education and childcare," said Dustin Duncan, the province’s education minister. 

"These resource centres will go a long way toward supporting new parents as they balance this new role with the rest of their busy lives."