Child Care and Early Years
The Children's Services Division (CSD) is the system manager for early learning and child care in Durham Region. The Children's Services Division is responsible for managing a coordinated and responsive early learning and child care system that supports children and their families in reaching their best potential.
The Children's Services Division strives to meet the diverse needs of children, families and the people who work with them. We support:
- Families who need help with the daily cost of child care.
- Children with special concerns and needs in licensed child care.
- Educators and child care operators.
- Families looking for licensed child care in the community or in our Regional Early Learning and Child Care Centres.
- Families looking for EarlyON programs.
Announced on April 2, the Region of Durham purchased the former Grandview Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre building at 600 Townline Road in Oshawa for future use to deliver Regional services. This site is an ideal location to offer community-based child care early years programs and services. There is a lot of excitement about this site's potential to serve the growing community. The Children's Services Division looks forward to beginning its work reviewing the space and making plans to start offering programs and services at this new location. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
2023 to 2027 Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan
The 2023 to 2027 Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan is a comprehensive plan that focuses on system priorities as identified through consultation with the early learning and child care community, including families. The plan will guide the work of the Children's Services Division, allowing for flexibility to respond to changes that may occur over time.
The Directed Growth Plan document provides details that will inform planning and approvals of expansion for the Regional Municipality of Durham that is eligible for Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) funding. This Appendix is updated annually as required to ensure the most current data is used for future planning.
2023 to 2027 Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan Directed Growth Plan2024 Service Plan Update
The 2024 annual report outlines initiatives and accomplishments in meeting Service Plan priorities and shares the continued commitment to supporting Durham Region children and families.
2024 Service Plan update
CWELCC enrolment and expansion
New enrolment and expansion applications are currently closed. Future expansion must align with the Directed Growth Plan. To determine if an existing child care program has been enrolled in CWELCC, please visit the Child Care Directory or Program Locator.
On June 10, 2009 , The Durham Regional Council approved the Durham Region Child and Youth Charter – Children’s Charter. In partnership with the Durham Best Start Committee, children and youth came together in 2009 to review the rights of children and describe what they mean to them, using their own words.
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