Bluewater District School Board, in partnership with Bruce and Grey Counties, is pleased to announce that the number of child care spaces will soon be expanding at two schools thanks to $1,588,137 in provincial funding. Applications submitted by board and county staff through the Ministry of Education's Early Years Capital Program have been approved for new licensed spaces to accommodate 17 additional children (for a new total of 49 spaces) at Amabel-Sauble Community School in Sauble Beach, and 19 more children (for a new total of 39) at Spruce Ridge Community School in Durham.
Licensed child care spaces at Amabel-Sauble Community School are currently operated by the Amabel-Sauble Child Care Centre, while Kids & Us Community Childcare and Family Education Centres operates licensed spaces next to Spruce Ridge Community School. Extended Day, as well as Before and After School programs for those 12 years old and under will continue to be offered at both locations.
The funding coincides with a recent announcement by the province that commits to investing up to $1.6 billion to create 45,000 new licensed child care spaces across Ontario over five years. This includes 493 new child care rooms in 188 schools.
"This is great news for families in Grey and Bruce Counties. Local families will now benefit from new licensed child care spaces that are more convenient and closer to home. This investment gives young children a strong start in life, and supports families with access to safe, high-quality licensed child care," says Indira Naidoo-Harris, Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care.
"We are really excited to have been selected as a funding recipient so that we can assist more families through expanded child care at Amabel-Sauble Community School and Spruce Ridge Community School. This would not be possible without the strong partnerships that exist between our board, Bruce and Grey Counties, and licensed child care providers with whom we share a common purpose of growing and supporting young minds in safe and caring learning spaces," says Paul Hambleton, Superintendent of Education for Bluewater District School Board.
"The expansion of child care spaces is a priority in the support of families, whether parents or a primary caregiver. The additional 17 licensed child care spaces at the Amabel-Sauble Child Care Centre is a single step in our greater efforts in increased access to services for the children and parents in this area," says Bruce County Warden Paul Eagleson.
"Access to licensed child care is important to families in our community. Before and After School programs give children safe places to learn and develop, and they are convenient for parents and caregivers. We are grateful for the ministry's support, which will allow even more families to benefit from these services," says Grey County Warden Stewart Halliday.
Renovations are expected to begin immediately with details on opening dates still to come.
source: media release, BWDSB
