Children - Early Years and Child Care - The District Municipality of Muskoka

The District is the system manager for early learning and child care in Muskoka. We are responsible for Muskoka's child care system from birth to 12 years of age and offer programs, subsidies and information for parents, families and child care providers. We also provide programs and services that support children, youth and Early Years Professionals.

Key Initiatives in 2023

Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)

Update August 14, 2023

Link to full release can be found here:

https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/news/muskoka-taking-strides-to-increase-access-to-high-quality-affordable-child-care.aspx

Summary:

Affordability for Families:

In 2023, families with children under the age of 6 enrolled in CWELCC-approved licensed child care programs, in most cases, will receive an average parent fee reduction of 50%.

Opportunities for licensed child care operators:

The District is now accepting applications from potential or new licensed child care programs to enroll in the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System
The CWELCC Agreement will give families increased access to high-quality, inclusive and affordable child care. However, the number of CWELCC funded spaces in Muskoka is part of the Province’s Directed Growth Strategy with set eligibilitycriteria for priority neighbourhoods and populations.
Operators who are not eligible for CWELCC funded spaces may still proceed to open spaces as per Ministry of Education processes.
To assist in navigating the process, we have dedicated staff resources to supporting operators:

Step 1

Connect with Heather Elliott, Director Programs (Children’s Services) to determine if spaces can be accommodated within the Province’s Directed Growth strategy and enroll in the CWELCC system.

Complete the New Licence Application Service System Manager Confirmation form and submit to Heather Elliott.This form is found on the Child Care Licensing website (https://www.iaa.gov.on.ca/iaalogin/IAALogin.jsp).

Contact Heather at: heather.elliott@muskoka.on.ca

Operators who are approved as part of the Directed Growth strategy (please go to Step 2)

Operators who cannot be accommodated within the Directed Growth strategy are still permitted to open spaces (please go to Step 3)

Step 2

Monica Diefke, Manager Muskoka Home Child Care, is available to assist with getting ready for licensing. This includes site visits, program set up and approving start-up grants for eligible costs. Please contact Monica at monica.diefke@muskoka.on.ca

Monica will provide direction on when operators are to proceed to step 3.

Step 3

Colleen Manary, Manager Early Learning and Child Care, is available to assist operators in determining what supports may be available once a program is licensed.

These include:

Fee Subsidy for eligible families
General Operating Grants
Special Purpose Funding

All licensed child care programs are eligible for Wage Enhancement Grants as per the 2023 Ontario Child Care and EarlyON Child and Family Centre Guidelines.

Operators who wish to receive funding listed above must complete a Request for Service Agreement form, submit appropriate documentation and complete the Quality Assurance process.

Additionally, if the program is enrolled in CWELCC, operators may be eligible for:

CWELCC operational funding
Start Up Grants

Please contact Colleen for more information. Colleen.manary@muskoka.on.ca

Are you a private home childcare provider?

In addition to being the service manager for the CWELCC program in Muskoka, the District also operates the Muskoka Home Child Care Agency, a network of home-based licensed child care providers. There are many private providers who would be a welcome addition to the Muskoka Home Child Care Agency. If you would like to make affordable child care available to your families and enjoy the benefits of joining the Muskoka Home Child Care Agency, visit our website and learn more.

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Fall 2023 Sector Conference

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