Applications Now Open for New Dawn After School Program for 2026–2027

GLACE BAY, N.S. — New Dawn is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026–2027 school year for its After School Program, returning to the same four school locations across the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education (CBVRCE): John Bernard Croak V.C. Memorial School, St. Anne’s Elementary School, Tompkins Memorial Elementary School, and Donkin School.

Launched in 2025, New Dawn’s After School Program provides on-site care for children aged 4 to 12 with a strong focus on outdoor play, physical activity, and overall well-being. As a provincially approved community provider, New Dawn’s program operates as part of the Nova Scotia Before and After Care Program.

In its first year, the program served 104 children and created 13 local jobs, highlighting a clear need for accessible after-school care and the program’s immediate impact on families and employment in Glace Bay and across Cape Breton.

“Between busy schedules, lessons, and sports, children don’t always get the chance to just be kids. The After-School Program gives my son the free, creative play he needs beyond the classroom,” said Renee Morrison, whose child attends New Dawn’s After School Program at Tompkins Memorial Elementary School. “Sending my four-year-old to grade primary was emotional, but this program and its caring staff made the transition much more manageable.”

Designed to support all children, including those with diverse abilities and those who may require extra support, the program fosters an inclusive environment where every child feels safe, welcomed, and empowered.

“Looking back on this year, it has been busy in the best way. We’ve observed so much growth in the children, not just in what they can do, but in who they’re becoming. There’s been a lot of laughter, a few challenges, and so many moments that make it all worth it. None of it would be possible without our incredible staff who bring patience, energy, and genuine care into the program every single day,” said April Benoit, Manager of Early Childhood Education.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

• Runs Monday to Friday from end of school day until 5:30 p.m., following the school calendar
• Daily outdoor play and physical activity built into programming
• Focus on children’s well-being, social development, and physical literacy
• Inclusive program designed to support children of all abilities and needs
• Healthy snacks provided each day
• Fee is $13.75/day, with provincial subsidies available for eligible families

Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Every effort is made to accommodate all children — when a program reaches capacity, a waitlist is created and additional cohorts are added as staffing allows.

“Going into next year, the hope is to expand the program to other communities. Overall, I just hope we keep building on what we’ve created, a place where children feel comfortable, and families feel supported. The impact of a strong after school program goes beyond those few hours each day, and it’s really special to be a part of that,” Benoit said.

Registration is now open, and families are encouraged to apply early as spaces are limited.

For more information or to register, visit: https://newdawn.ca/youth-family/after-school-program/.

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ABOUT NEW DAWN

New Dawn is Canada’s oldest Community Development Corporation. Since 1976, we’ve been working to create a more just, healthy, and self-determined community by responding to local needs and driving long-term, systems-level change. Today, New Dawn continues to focus on self-reliance, resilience, and community-led transformation. Every day, we engage thousands of community members and employ over 150 Cape Bretoners through programs and services that are practical, creative, and grounded in care. Our work spans health and social care, housing, the arts, youth and family services, immigration, and community development. Some of these services generate revenue, which we reinvest into our organization — fueling sustainability and deepening community impact.