Operating a Child Care Centre

The Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) envisions a child care system for Ontario that provides high quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive early learning and child care for families throughout Ontario. This plan includes the implementation of an average of $10 daily fees for licensed child care for children ages zero to five years, and the creation of new child care spaces by 2026.

The Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton service area has been allocated Provincial funding for 394 community-based licensed child care spaces to open over the next four years by 2026.

We are looking for potential spaces in communities across the City of Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton. The spaces could be vacant retail spaces that could be suitable. Please complete the child care expansion contact form if you have space that fits the criteria below, or if you would like to receive more information.

The intent is to create spaces in communities who need them most (as per Ministry criteria). The following communities have been identified as priority areas for space creation in the City of Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton:

Priority Communities

1. Northwest Kawartha Lakes (Kirkfield, Coboconk, Woodville)
2. Haliburton (West Guildford, Eagle Lake, Cardiff, Wilberforce, Gooderham, Minden, Algonquin Highlands)
3. Lindsay East (east side of Scugog River and outskirts)
4. Northeast Kawartha Lakes (Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, Kinmount)
5. Southwest Kawartha Lakes (Janetville, Little Britain)
6. Southeast Kawartha Lakes (Pontypool, Bethany, Omemee)

Requirements

Minimum Square Footage: 8,000 to 10,000 square feet on or below the second story

• Large green space adjacent to building for outdoor play that can be fenced,
• Parking for staff (12 – 14 spaces) and drop off parking capacity for parents
• Kitchen space with capacity to add commercial sized appliances
• Indoor space natural light requirement: Window area equivalent to 10% of floor area

All licensed child care operators are eligible to apply for wage enhancement funding.  Operators will need to complete and submit the application to receive the full Wage Enhancement Grant (WEG) entitlement of up to $2 per hour plus 17.5% benefits, or up to $20 per day for the Home Child Care Enhancement (HCCEG). Information on eligible positions/providers and hours/days will be gathered through the application process administered by Children’s Services. The information gathered on the application forms will be used to determine an operator’s funding entitlement in 2024. Operators must complete one application per child care centre/site.

In 2024, applications will be emailed directly to existing operators and will be accepted until January 26, 2024. Operators that miss this deadline may apply for funding in 2025.

Need Assistance?

The City is responsible for investigating all complaints pertaining to the use of funding by contracted licensed Child Care Agencies. Complaints will be handled on a case by case basis. Further information on WEG/HCCEG or the application process should be directed to Anne Kuipers, Program Supervisor at 705-324-9870 extension 3254.

General operating funding supports the costs of operating licensed child care programs in order to reduce wait times and fees for services, stabilize service levels and improve access to high quality affordable learning and child care services for children and their families.

For information about all available funding and fee subsidy procedures, consult the Operating Guidelines and Procedures for Service Providers.

If you are expanding your program to serve additional age groups, adding new sites or applying for a Purchase of Service Agreement with Kawartha Lakes, contact the Children's Services Program Supervisor by calling 705-324-9870 extension 3254.

At this time there is a temporary suspension on all new Purchase and Service Agreements and program expansion with licensed child care program

Prospective child care operators can visit the Ministry of Education website to:

• review an orientation package
• learn about the Child Care and Early Years Act
• refer to the Ministry's Planning and Design Guidelines for Child Care Centres

For information about providing licensed child care in your home, contact Compass Early Learning and Care or Wee Watch Private Home Child Care.

The Ministry of Education, through Kawartha Lakes, provides funding for special needs programs.

Kawartha Lakes promotes an inclusive child care model by supporting a range of service options for families. The Special Needs Resourcing Program provides services and supports to licensed child care, authorized recreation programs and licensed home child care.

Licensed child care programs may apply for funding for additional staffing to make it possible for children (infants through 12 years of age) with special needs to be included in childcare programs. Funding is provided based on availability and eligibility.

Early Learning Resource Program and Point In Time (Early Intervention) offer Special Needs Resourcing in the City of Kawartha Lakes and County of Haliburton.

For a full listing of support services for children and families visit the Ontario 211 website.