Beginning April 19, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent will be implementing emergency child care during the current Stay-at-Home order and provincial emergency.
Municipal officials say the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, have decided to move elementary and secondary schools to remote learning following the April break.
This move has been made in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants.
“We continue to work with our partners at the Ministry of Education to ensure children in Chatham-Kent have access to welcoming, engaging and safe environments throughout this pandemic,” stated Kelly Emery, director of child care and early years for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, in a media release.
As part of the Provincial order, licensed child care programs, including licensed home child care, will not be permitted to offer care to school-aged children, with the exception of emergency child care for those who qualify, Municipal officials say.
Licensed child care programs will continue for younger children, which includes infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. This includes child care programs that are co-located in a school.
Beginning April 19, emergency child care services will be available at no cost to eligible families who are not able to accommodate care at home for their school-aged children.
The safest option for families is to have children remain at home, if possible, Municipal officials added.
The Municipality’s Child Care and Early Years Division will work closely with Chatham-Kent Public Health, Dr. Colby, licensed child care providers and local school boards to identify interest and prepare for the opening of emergency child care locations for school-aged children beginning April 19.
Once the safety policies and details are confirmed, the information re: eligibility, how to apply for emergency child care and the list of approved emergency child care providers will be posted on www.chatham-kent.ca/childcare, Municipal officials say.
Inquiries can be directed to ckchildcare@chatham-kent.ca or 1-866-720-7975.
