Hastings County, which is Service Manager for the provincial child care programs locally, has concerns about some Ontario government recommendations regarding child care.
In a letter to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Todd Smith and to the Minister of Education Lisa Thompson, Warden Rick Phillips says some of the recommendations may affect the overall safety of children and quality of care.
Warden Phillips says the increase in the number of children under two years of age, allowed in unlicensed child care, has the potential of placing many children at risk.
The letter refers to the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association which calls for efforts to encourage unlicensed child care providers to become part of the licensed child care in Ontario.
Warden Phillips’ letter reads in part: On behalf of Hastings County, I would like to respectfully request reconsideration of some of the proposed changes within Bill 66 that could potentially increase the opportunity for risk to our children. Their safety and well-being is of utmost importance, and the need to increase access to child care within our local communities cannot be achieved by compromising the overall quality of care.”
Hastings County supports the position of the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association in regards to proposed changes to the Child Care and Early Years Act.
