The Ontario government has announced its plan to reopen child care centres across the province.
“While we share in the enthusiasm about the announcement to reopen child care centres and programs, we want to inform parents that the Licenced Child Care Centres in Chatham-Kent are not able to open on Friday June 12, 2020,” stated Kelly Emery, director of child care and early years, in a press release.
“At this time, there are not confirmed opening dates for child care centres.”
Municipal officials say child care plays a critical role in supporting the building of the economy as many families return to work.
Families can be confident that child care centres and programs will be the same warm and welcoming places, with some additional heath measures and precautions in place, Municipal officials added.
However, licensed child cares and licensed home child care will look different based on new protocols.
The centres may not be able to offer the same number of licensed child care spaces at this time.
The child care operators and the Municipality share a deep responsibility to open in a responsible and responsive way, Municipal officials say.
Continued collaboration with local health officials and child care partners will assist in the development of protocols to ensure the safety of children and staff.
“We ask that families have patience as a thoughtful plan is created that is able to accommodate as many families as possible,” Emery added.
The Municipality will post updates regarding re-opening of child cares on our website: www.chatham-kent.ca/childcare.
