Child care deal raises concerns for centre operators hesitant to opt-in
In Simcoe County, over 200 licensed child care operators are eligible to opt-in for the $10 per day deal between Ontario and the federal government, and while parents anxiously wait to take advantage of lower rates, some operators remain hesitant.
"I want to give my parents the reduction in rates, but I'm scared," said Ana Kaloudis, owner of Learning Cubs Child Care.
Kaloudis said the language in the 74-page document released by the Ministry of Education back in April was confusing and left her with more questions than answers.
"I'm not sure what they are fully covering and if they are covering dollar for dollar," she said.
While it's anticipated that rents will be covered, for the most part, Kaloudis noted things like debt interest and property taxes are not eligible expenses.
"Not having that and being able to pay that back is a huge deal to us because we won't be viable if we can't pay back our loans."
Across the province, child care operators are raising concerns, saying they don't have enough information to make a decision, calling into question the quality of care, especially when it comes to special programming.
"Some centres run programs like music and art and French and other things and aren't sure that the funding will be there for that," said Maggie Moser, Ontario Association of Independent Childcare Centres. "Operators are concerned if they opt-in, they will be driven into bankruptcy."
In response to CTV News, the Ministry of Education stated, "The program details have been communicated to municipalities and operators for many weeks. The province has released funding allocations to municipalities, and we have been strongly encouraging our municipal partners to work as quickly as possible with child care operators to get this money into parents' pockets. Operators need to apply to the program, and the money will flow from municipalities."
In a statement, Simcoe County said it "continues to develop a detailed CWELCC policy framework, which will ultimately guide operators in determining whether or not they will sign on to the CWELCC initiative. The County expects to release its policy guideline to licensed operators by the end of June."
"In recent weeks, County staff have heard a mix of excitement and sharp concern from licensed operators about what will come next. All operators require assurances that the funding will cover their operating expenses on an ongoing basis as parent fees are gradually reduced between 2022 and 2025."
Child care operators have until September to decide if they will opt-in.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.