County and Province Offer Targeted Emergency Childcare

For School-aged Children

On January 3rd, 2022, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, made the decision to move elementary and secondary schools to remote learning following the holiday break. This announcement also indicated that starting January 5, 2022 childcare for non-school aged children will remain open, and that school-aged before and after school programs will be closed. At this time free emergency child care for the school-aged children of eligible health care and frontline workers will be available at participating site locations.

The County of Renfrew is working with licensed childcare providers in the County to ascertain emergency childcare locations and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit to ensure the protection and safety of the children, parents and staff in the centres.

Chair of the County of Renfrew Community Services Committee, James Brose, said, “As the number of COVID cases has reached record numbers in Renfrew County, as well as the Province of Ontario, the need for Child Care for emergency workers is a top priority. Renfrew County is working closely with our licensed Child Care providers and the Province to ensure that accommodation is available for our essential service workers.”

Emergency child care services are reserved exclusively for children of eligible health care and frontline workers identified in the Province of Ontario’s List of Workers Eligible for Emergency Child Care who have no other alternatives.

Eligible health care and frontline workers who require emergency childcare can complete the online Child Care and Early Years Application to apply for emergency childcare. After an application is competed, eligible families will be contacted by a County of Renfrew Child Care and Early Years staff when a space is available. Please note that operators of school-age before and after school programs that are required to close during this period will be prohibited from charging fees or otherwise penalizing parents during this time period (e.g. parents must not lose their respective child care spaces).

For more information on Emergency Child Care locations please see the Licensed Child Care Agencies List. Please note, this list will be updated as agencies are approved by the Ministry of education.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
Paul Moreau Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288
Sierra Stinson Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-281-5108