Simcoe County child care operators concerned about opting-in to Ontario's $10-a-day program
Kim Yeaman says skyrocketing costs while rates at her Innisfil child care centre have been frozen makes it difficult to opt-in to Ontario's $10-a-day program.
"It's a great announcement as long as the parents are supported and child cares are supported," says Yeaman, Simcoe Childcare Services director of children's services.
"We would have to raise our fees by about 10 per cent to be able to pay for our expenses," she adds.
Yeaman is one of roughly 54 per cent of the county's 200 licenced childcare providers yet to sign up for the province's plan, saying that from a business perspective, the numbers just don't add up without more financial support.
The Association of Independent Childcare Centres says it is reviewing the province's latest 63-page document, looking for answers on how funding will break down in 2023.
RELATED: Childcare deal raises concerns for centre operators hesitant to opt-in
The local program runs through the County of Simcoe as its service system manager.
"Some licensed child care operators have expressed concern that even with the Ministry of Education's revised revenue replacement model, they may not be able to cover their actual expenses," says Samantha Zuercher, County of Simcoe Early Learning and Child care manager.
"The County will work with licensed childcare operators to manage additional costs where possible to support continued participation in the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care program," says Zuercher.
The County says it's been listening to concerns from licenced child care operators and presenting the issues to the province.
"Really, a lot of the concerns that we have been hearing were addressed in the changes that the Ministry of Education made last week, and so they are still looking for some clarification or greater understanding of how it impacts them before making a decision," Zuercher says, adding many more operators plan to submit their applications to opt-in.
"I think it's good news for parents. It's good with respect to the affordability in the access, and there is an intention we're focusing on the affordability and the access and the quality of care that is being provided," she notes.
Child care operators who haven't signed into the plan say they fear the quality of care will ultimately be impacted.
The province extended the deadline to opt-in or out from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1.
Still, many operators say more questions remain than answers from the government.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal. Panama's president balks at the suggestion
Donald Trump suggested Sunday that his new administration could try to regain control of the Panama Canal that the United States “foolishly” ceded to its Central American ally, contending that shippers are charged “ridiculous” fees to pass through the vital transportation channel linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Man handed 5th distracted driving charge for using cell phone on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa
An Ottawa driver was charged for using a cell phone behind the wheel on Sunday, the fifth time he has faced distracted driving charges.
Wrongfully convicted N.B. man has mixed feelings since exoneration
Robert Mailman, 76, was exonerated on Jan. 4 of a 1983 murder for which he and his friend Walter Gillespie served lengthy prison terms.
Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no
A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General.
opinion Christmas movies for people who don't like Christmas movies
The holidays can bring up a whole gamut of emotions, not just love and goodwill. So CTV film critic Richard Crouse offers up a list of Christmas movies for people who might not enjoy traditional Christmas movies.
More than 7,000 Jeep SUVs recalled in Canada over camera display concern
A software issue potentially affecting the rearview camera display in select Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee models has prompted a recall of more than 7,000 vehicles.
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
10 hospitalized after carbon monoxide poisoning in Ottawa's east end
The Ottawa Police Service says ten people were taken to hospital, with one of them in life-threatening condition, after being exposed to carbon monoxide in the neighbourhood of Vanier on Sunday morning.
New York City police apprehend suspect in the death of a woman found on fire in a subway car
New York City police announced Sunday they have in custody a “person of interest” in the early morning death of a woman who they believe may have fallen asleep on a stationary subway train before being intentionally lit on fire by a man she didn't know.