Midhurst/November 2, 2022 – The County of Simcoe would like to thank licensed child care providers across Simcoe County who took the time to learn more about the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan.
Over the last six months licensed operators attended multiple information sessions hosted by the County of Simcoe, as well as sessions offered by the Ministry of Education, and also reached out to have one-on-one discussions with County staff. Through these opportunities, we worked to address the many questions and concerns that were brought forward about how the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) plan would impact each program. The Ministry of Education updated the 2022 CWELCC guidelines to address key concerns raised by operators and service system managers earlier in the process, and provided further information about 2023 funding guidelines so that licensed child care operators could make informed decisions ahead of the November 1, 2022 application deadline.
As of the application deadline, 173 applications were received from licensed child care operators across the County who wished to opt-in to the program, approximately 87 per cent of all licensed child care providers in the region. The County of Simcoe is committed to continuing to work with those who have opted out, and note that there will be opportunities in future years, to opt in to the Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care Plan.
Families with children under the age of six, attending eligible programs will see their child care fees reduced by approximately 25 per cent per day retroactive to April 1, and will experience further reduced child care costs in the future. Children in Simcoe County and across the province, will have greater access to affordable, high quality child care.
About the Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care System
The Government of Canada has identified child care as a national priority to enhance early learning and childhood development, support workforce participation and contribute to economic recovery.
Funding under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement (CWELCC) will be used to build and leverage the success of Ontario’s existing early learning and child care system by increasing quality, accessibility, affordability and inclusivity in early learning and child care.
In its role as service manager, the County is responsible for co-ordinating enrolment for licensed childcare centres and for the administration of all related funding allocations to participating licensed child care operators.
For more information and details, please refer to the 2022 Ministry of Education guidelines for the CWELCC program and the amendment to the guidelines (amendment issued as of August 17, 2022).
About the County of Simcoe
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
– 30 –
CONTACTS
Andrea Walasek
Public Relations Consultant
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
249-535-3511 (mobile)
Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca