|
ISSUES
|
|
Child Care
Many farm families lack access to affordable and high quality child care and early childhood development programs that recognize the special circumstances of rural communities. This includes seasonal fluctuations of child care demands, the need for on-farm child supervision, and a scattered population capable of supporting only small-scale child care programs. In many cases, existing child care programs are not capable of meeting these needs due to current funding, regulatory, and program requirements.
Changes to the Ontario child care system are underway. Since 1998, municipalities have assumed a greater financial and managerial role for child care in Ontario. Child care funding and management is now mandatory for municipalities (through regional level consolidated municipal service managers), who are currently developing child care plans for their regions.
Related Links:
OFA Related Material:
- Rural child care languishes - August 11, 2005
- Letter to Ms. Erickson and Ms. Wilson regarding Rural Child Care - We're Worth It - April 05, 2005
- Rural Child Care Needs - September 02, 2002