The Avon Maitland District School Board has released details on a new childcare centre at Exeter Elementary School.
In a release on November 24, AMDSB alongside Huron County and London Bridge Childcare Services announced the opening of the new Family Age Grouping Child Care program. In 2017, the Ministry of Education approved Exeter Elementary for Early Years Capital Program Funding, which went toward establishing the Family Age Grouping centre with a licensed capacity of 15 children. The program is the first of its kind in Huron County and brings together children of all ages in one space rather than being separated by age like most current childcare models.
London Bridge Child Care Services, who operates the Early Childhood Learning Centre across from Exeter Elementary School, is the provider for the program.
“Families across the province deserve access to quality, licensed child care in their own communities,” said Ontario’s Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “By committing up to $1 billion over five years to create new child care spaces, including up to 10,000 spaces in new schools, our government is supporting working families and ensuring children receive the care they need.”
“The County of Huron is pleased to partner with London Bridge Child Care Services and the AMDSB, to offer this child care program that will help to support children and families in our communities," said Huron County Warden Jim Ginn. "This centre will be providing holistic environments where children of all ages can foster relationships with peers, educators, and their community. The Avon Maitland DSB is grateful for this funding from the Ministry of Education, which has allowed for the creation of these essential child care spaces in the Exeter community. We are pleased to continue our positive relationship with the County of Huron and London Bridge Child Care Services, as they provide high quality care for future Exeter Elementary School students.”
“This is great news for local families who have been waiting for much-needed child care spaces to the Exeter area,” said Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. “I often hear concerns about the lack of affordable child care, so I look forward to seeing the benefits of this unique approach for some of our youngest community members."