The Bluewater District School Board has worked with Bruce and Grey counties to expand the number of child care spaces at two area schools.
$1.58-million in provincial funding will create an additional 36 child care spaces. Amabel Sauble Community School in Sauble Beach has been approved for 17 additional children, bringing the total to 49 spaces. Spruce Ridge Community School in Durham will welcome 19 more children, with total space for 39 kids.
Extended day, as well as before and after school programs for those 12 years old and under will continue to be offered at both locations.
Renovations are expected to begin immediately.
the province has committed $1.6-billion to create 45,000 new licensed child care spaces over five years.
Licensed child care spaces at Amabel-Sauble Community School are currently operated by the Amabel-Sauble Child Care Centre, while Kids & Us Community Childcare and Family Education Centres operate licensed spaces next to Spruce Ridge Community School.
“This is great news for families in Grey and Bruce Counties. Local families will now benefit from new licensed child care spaces that are more convenient and close to home. This investment gives young children a strong start in life, and supports families with access to safe, high-quality licensed child care,” says Indira Naidoo-Harris, minister of education and minister responsible for early years and child care.
“We are really excited to have been selected as a funding recipient so that we can assist more families through expanded child care at Amabel-Sauble Community School and Spruce Ridge Community School. This would not be possible without the strong partnerships that exist between our board, Bruce and Grey Counties, and licensed child care providers with whom we share a common purpose of growing and supporting young minds in safe and caring learning spaces,” says Paul Hambleton, superintendent of education for Bluewater District School Board.
“The expansion of child care spaces is a priority in the support of families, whether parents or a primary caregiver. The additional 17 licensed child care spaces at the Amabel-Sauble Child Care Centre is a single step in our greater efforts in increased access to services for the children and parents in this area,” says Bruce County Warden Paul Eagleson.
“Access to licensed child care is important to families in our community. Before and After School programs give children safe places to learn and develop, and they are convenient for parents and caregivers. We are grateful for the ministry’s support, which will allow even more families to benefit from these services,” says Grey County Warden Stewart Halliday.