Families in Timmins will soon have access to more high-quality licensed child care. The Ministry of Education has approved over $1.1 million dollars to create a new child care centre at Schumacher Public School.

The 49 licensed child-care spaces, proposed through a submission in August 2017 by District School Board Ontario North East and the District of Cochrane Social Services Administration Board, should be in place by January 2019.

The announcement is part of the Ontario government’s goal of creating 45,000 new licensed child care spaces in schools and other public spaces across the province over five years.

“This is great news for families in Timmins,” says Indira Naidoo-Harris, Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care. “Local families will now benefit from new licensed child care spaces that are more convenient and closer to home. This investment gives young children a strong start in life, and supports families with access to safe, high-quality licensed child care.”

“There is an increased demand for child care in Timmins,” says Lesleigh Dye, Director of Education for District School Board Ontario North East. “We are thankful and very proud to be bringing this service to our families in Schumacher. Through our experience, we also know that having a child care centre situated in a school supports positive transitions for students and their families.”

“Access to quality licensed child care is important for all,” adds Beth Nowak, Children’s Services Manager for the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board. “We wanted easy access for families in Schumacher, to help alleviate the problems of transportation. The location within the school makes sense.”

“Our Board is very happy that we have been given the go-ahead for this centre at Schumacher Public School,” adds Board Chair Bob Brush. “We are proud to be bringing this to our young families in Schumacher. Positive experiences with our teachers and school staff will make the transition to school that much more easier for little ones.”

The proposed child care facility would occupy 3,237 square feet in the Northern wing of Schumacher Public School. The location was selected for its proximity to the gymnasium, playground and convenient private entrance along with designated parent drop-off area. There would also be a private fenced-in playground accessible only through the child care facility.

The centre will be divided into two separate areas across the hall from each other. The Northwest section of the centre will be home to the preschoolers, office, staff room, stroller storage area and universal washroom. The Northeast section will house the kitchen, laundry room, as well as the toddler and infant spaces.

Renovations are expected to begin this spring.

Filed under: Local News