Kawartha Lakes celebrates Early Childhood Educators and Child Care Workers

Kawartha Lakes – The City of Kawartha Lakes is celebrating Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day by recognizing the dedicated professionals who help children learn, grow and thrive across Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.

The annual appreciation day, celebrated across Ontario on October 21, recognizes the important role that Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and child care workers play in supporting children, families and communities.

This year's theme, Care Counts, highlights the value of early learning and child care, and the skilled professionals who provide safe, welcoming and engaging environments for young children.

“Early Childhood Educators and child care workers make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families every day,” said Alyson Truax, Human Services Manager at Kawartha Lakes. “Their dedication, creativity and compassion help children build confidence, develop important skills and establish a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Today, we thank them for the important work they do in our communities.”

More affordable child care now available in Gooderham

As the City celebrates the contributions of early learning professionals, there is also good news for families in Haliburton County.

Highlands Child Care in Gooderham officially joined the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system this week, bringing more affordable child care to families in Gooderham and surrounding communities.

The addition of Highlands Child Care is a positive step toward improving access to affordable early learning and child care in rural communities, where finding licensed child care close to home can be challenging.

“Affordable, accessible child care makes a real difference for families,” said Truax. “We're pleased to welcome Highlands Child Care to the CWELCC program. This is great news for families in Gooderham and the surrounding area, and another step toward making quality child care more affordable in our communities.”

Supporting children and families across Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County

The City of Kawartha Lakes serves as the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager for early learning and child care in both Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County. In this role, the City works with child care providers and community partners to support access to quality, affordable and inclusive early learning opportunities.

On Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, the City encourages families to take a moment to thank the educators and child care professionals who make a difference in their children's lives.

To learn more about early learning and child care programs, financial assistance and available supports, visit kawarthalakes.ca/earlylearning.