Child Care

Ontario offers both licensed and unlicensed child care in a variety of settings.

Licensed childcare programs must maintain specific standards to ensure the children’s health, safety and developmental requirements. These standards fall under the Day Nurseries Act and are monitored by the provincial government, whereas unlicensed childcare programs are not required to comply with these standards. All child care centres must be licensed, unlike in-home childcare facilities.

To learn more about the Day Nurseries Act, visit them online at
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90d02_e.htm

When looking for child care, parents should consider some of the following points to ensure the childcare program will meet their needs;

• Hours; what are the daily hours? Are they flexible? What are the fees for extended hours?

• Location; is it close to a public transit stop? Is it near home/work/school?
How accessible is it for others in case of emergency?

• Special Needs; does your child require any special accommodations?

• Disciplinary policy; what is the process for managing behavioral challenges?

• Sick policy; will they accept a child with a cold? A fever, how high?

• Scheduling; what is the daily schedule? How much time is dedicated to structured activities? How much free-time?

• Fees; what is the weekly/monthly rate? What are the fees for extended care? When are the fees due?

To find a licensed child care facility near you, visit
http://www.ontario.ca/ONT/portal51/licensedchildcare

For additional information about child care and other children’s services, contact the Ministry of Children & Youth Services at 1-866-821-7770 or visit them online at; http://www.gov.on.ca/children/

Subsidized child care may be available in your community to assist with the cost of child care. Parents applying for the subsidized child care must be the child's parent, foster parent or legal guardian and the child must live with the parent making the application.

To be eligible for subsidized child care, parents/Guardians must be: working, attending school, be an Ontario Works recipient participating in an approved activity, or have a child with special needs.

The amount required to pay for child care fees will be determined based on the family’s net income and will be re-assessed on a yearly bases.
For additional information on subsidized child care, or to apply through your local municipality, visit the Government of Ontario online at; http://www.gov.on.ca/children/english/programs/beststart/care/STEL01_136541.html

The OCA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that draws its membership from camps, individuals and like-minded organizations and agencies, all devoted to maintaining high standards for organized camping, and to sharing information and ideas that maintain these standards.

For more information or to find a camp call the OCA at (416) 485-0425 or visit them online at www.ontariocamps.ca