Government has backed down from calling their means-tested child care initiative "free" and has admitted parents will have to pay additional fees.

Throughout the Progressive Labour Party's Election manifesto, in the 2007 Throne Speech and in the Premier's Economic Address to the Island two weeks ago, the child care scheme has been referred to as "free".

The PLP's own website, which previously posted a blog on "free" child care, has now been changed after repeated inquiries from this paper, to read: "Day Care Assistance Now Available".

As the legislation stands, families making less than $70,000 a year could qualify for the initiative, which allots $800 per child per month to caregivers registered with the Health Department.

The reference to "free" caused confusion and anger among registered day care providers who thought they were limited to charging $800 per child.

One caregiver who has been in the business for more than 30 years said: "We have no problem going to three babies but the problem is the Health Department and the Social (Financial Assistance) Department.

"The parents need to be prepared the fees are going to have to go up to $300 (a week).

"What they did is they asked the caregivers (who looked after five or six babies) what is a fair fee for the babies and some charge $150 and some $175.

"So they tried to strike over the board we will give you $800. With the three babies though you just won't make it."

Yesterday Mr. Butler moved to quell the fears and anger expressed by many care givers during town hall meetings held last month.

He explained that the Government was giving $800 towards day care and that parents that qualify will be responsible for additional fees.

He said: "We are guided by the law which clearly states as follows: Child Day Care Allowance. While the Party, and yours truly and others may have made reference to free day care, we take our guidance from the title of the Act.

"Parents are accepting that if they get $800 but are in a facility that cost $900 they will pay the $100."

PLP party Chairman David Burt argued that the title "free" was used in this paper's headlines – while he continued to refer to the initiative under the same name.

He said: "The truth is, the PLP Government's free day care initiative provides much needed relief for hard working Bermudian families."

To qualify for the programme, families must be Bermudian and earn less than $70,000 a year, while the child must also be attended by a registered caregiver.

In order to be registered, however, the caregivers must ensure, among other qualifications, that they only take in three children.

This limit was set in regulations made almost ten years ago and is said to have been done for the safety and developmental needs of children.

The Department of Financial Assistance and the Department of Health have scheduled a second meeting for care providers on November 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Goodwin C. Smith Hall in the New Testament Church of God, to try and address any further concerns.

Mr. Butler added: "In closing I ask that if anyone has additional questions to this new Government initiative they can contact the Department of Financial Assistance who have been working diligently."