Children & Youth
Moving to a new place can be more complicated if you have a family to consider. Thankfully, Cape Breton is a wonderful place to raise a family.
Early Childhood Supports
Nova Scotia Early Childhood Development Intervention Services (NSECDIS) provides free, family-centred support for children from birth to school entry who have developmental delays or conditions that may affect their development. Services include home visits, child development support, family coaching, service coordination, and assistance with transitions to child care and school.
Location: Province-wide, including Cape Breton
Website: www.nsecdis.ca
Child Care
There are several child care options available for families in Unama’ki – Cape Breton. The right choice will depend on your family’s needs, your child’s age, and your work or school schedule.
Licensed Child Care Centres
Licensed child care centres provide care during the day and, in some cases, into the early evening. These centres are regulated by the Province of Nova Scotia, and staff must meet provincial education and qualification requirements.
Home-Based Child Care
Some families choose child care provided in another person’s home. This option may be more convenient if it is located close to your home, workplace, or your child’s school. Home-based caregivers may be licensed or unlicensed. If you choose an unlicensed provider, it is your responsibility to select, hire, and monitor the caregiver.
In-Home Child Care
In-home child care is provided in your own home by a caregiver. This option can be especially helpful for families with multiple children or schedules that make transportation to a child care centre more difficult.
Babysitters
Babysitters provide short-term child care, such as for an evening or a few hours during the day. Many communities have responsible youth (often aged 14 or older) and adults who offer babysitting services. If you are looking for a babysitter, consider asking friends, neighbours, or other parents for recommendations.
Child Care Subsidy
The Nova Scotia Child Care Subsidy Program helps eligible families with the cost of licensed child care. Financial assistance may be available for families who are working, attending school, participating in training, or who have other qualifying child care needs.
Eligibility is based on factors such as household income, employment or education status, and individual family circumstances. More information can be found on the Nova Scotia Child Care Subsidy Program website.
Child Care Tax Benefits
If you have children, you may qualify for certain benefits from provincial and federal governments. You can obtain the application forms and further information at the Canada Revenue Agency website. Enrolment for these benefits are processed through the Canada Child Tax Benefit application.
The Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18. The CCTB may include the National Child Benefit and Child Disability Benefit.
Youth
EPIC’s Youth Peer & Outreach Program offers free after-school tutoring, mentorship, and recreational activities for youth ages 8 to 18. Programs help youth build academic skills, confidence, and positive connections in a supportive environment.
Location: several locations throughout the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM)
Website: www.epiccharity.com/youth-peer
Undercurrent Youth Society offers free and low-cost programs, weekly youth events, and special events for youth. Activities include sports, music, art, outdoor recreation, after-school programming, and more. Programs provide a safe, welcoming space where young people can build confidence, develop healthy relationships, explore new interests, and connect with their community.
Location: Glace Bay. Open to all youth across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM)
Website: undercurrentyouthsociety.com
Glace Bay Youth Health Centre provides health services for youth under the age of 20 in a youth-friendly environment.
Location: 201 Reserve Street, Glace Bay, Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM)
Phone: (902) 842-1612
Sydney Youth Health Centre provides free, confidential health and wellness support for youth up to age 19. Services include STI testing, referrals to supports such as Mental Health and Addictions, and education and support related to healthy choices, dating, relationships, bullying, and nutrition.
Location: 49 Terrace Street, Sydney, Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM)
Phone: (902) 567-1056
BGC Cape Breton (formerly Whitney Pier Youth Club) provides safe, welcoming programs and services that support the well-being of children and youth. Programs include after-school activities, evening programs, recreation, summer programming, and opportunities for youth to build confidence, develop skills, form positive connections, and feel a sense of belonging. Programs are available for children and youth, with typical participants ranging from ages 5 to 15.
Location: Whitney Pier. Open to all youth across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM)
Website: www.bgccb.ca
More family and community supports can be found here:
Click here to submit an addition/edit to this pageLast Modified: July 30, 2026