Child care employee sitting at a table with children.

Operating a Child Care Centre

Home Living Here Early Learning and Child CareOperating a Child Care Centre

Reopening Early Learning and Child Care for Operators

The Children’s Services Division is the service system manager for early learning and child care in Durham Region. We continue to work with the Durham Region Health Department and the Ministry of Education to ensure the safe reopening of licensed child care. As such, we continue to provide operators with helpful information and resources, such as the Reopening Toolkit.

Select the “Receive email updates” button at the bottom of this page to be notified of updates.

Sample health and safety policies and PPE application

Sample health and safety policies

The policies below are samples that operators may use to guide their reopening policy development. They are not mandatory.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) application

If your licensed child care centre requires additional personal protective equipment (PPE), please submit a completed PPE application form.

Children's Services COVID-19 Early Learning Updates

The Children’s Services Division is committed to keeping licensed child care operators apprised of changes impacting licensed child care services in Durham Region throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial supports during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Children's Services Division provides support to licensed child care operators who have a Purchase of Service Agreement. Child care operators without a Purchase of Service Agreement will find funding information on the Ministry of Education website.

The Region of Durham recommends operators diligently track the financial support their organization receives through any benefits, grants or loans. Financial resources and programs that may be applicable to child care operators are available below. Excellent record keeping will be important to ensure the ability to complete 2020 Canada Revenue Agency filing. Additionally, operators with a Purchase of Service Agreement and/or any form of funding agreements, such as Wage Enhancement, are expected to collect and maintain financial documents and submit information, as necessary.

The Region of Durham will provide updated information as it becomes available and holds no responsibility for the accuracy of information promoted by the external agencies.

Are you an employer requiring subsidy?

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

The extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy until June 2021 would continue to protect jobs by helping businesses keep employees on the payroll and encouraging employers to re-hire their workers. The subsidy would remain at the current subsidy rate of up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19, 2020.

Who can apply: Eligible employers, referred to in the legislation as eligible entities, include individuals, taxable corporations, partnerships consisting of eligible entities, non-profit organizations (NPOs), and registered charities. Employers of all sizes and across all sectors qualify, except public bodies. To qualify for the subsidy, eligible entities for claim periods 5 and later (claims that cover July 5, 2020 and later), there is no minimum revenue drop required to qualify for the subsidy. The rate your revenue has dropped is only used to calculate how much subsidy you receive for these periods
Available: If you are eligible, Period 9, October 25, 2020 to November 21, 2020, is open for application now. The last day you can apply is Thursday, May 20, 2021. Period 10, November 22, 2020 to December 19, 2020, is not open for application at this time. The earliest you can apply is Sunday, December 20.
How to apply: Most businesses may apply using the My Business Account portal on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)'s website. If you represent a business, you may apply using Represent a Client portal. Alternatively, you may apply using a separate online application form.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website. A CEWS line is also set up to answer applicants’ question for the CEWS and applications: 1-833-966-2099.
Note: To calculate your subsidy amount, please refer to instructions on the CEWS section of the Government of Canada website. Additionally, there is a new frequently asked question document regarding the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy on the Government of Canada website.

Canada United Small Business Relief Fund

A $5,000 grant to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), renovate, develop a website or enhance E-commerce capability.

Who can apply: Small to medium-sized (SME) companies from all sectors and all regions of Canada.
Available: Currently available.
How to apply: Submit your request via Canada United.
For more information: Visit Canada United Relief or Relief Measures Canada.

Work-Sharing Program extended

The federal government is extending the Work-Sharing Program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The extension is not limited to one specific sector or industry.

Who can apply: In general, the program is for eligible employers and their employees where the employer can demonstrate a recent decline in business activity of at least 10 per cent, and a temporary decrease of employee hours of work in the range of 10 per cent to 60 per cent.
Available: Effective March 15, 2020 to March 14, 2021.
How to apply: The employer and employees must agree to participate in a Work-Sharing agreement and must apply together. An application must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the requested start date.
Note: Multiple eligibility criteria must be met for both the employer and the employees. Temporary measures are available where the decrease is direct or indirect.
For more information: View the Work-Sharing fact sheet for employers and the Government of Canada website.

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund

The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) provides financial contributions (interest-free loans) to help support fixed operating costs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where business revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In southern Ontario, $252.4 million is available as follows: $213 million for SMEs facing financial pressure; and $39.4 million to provide rural businesses with access to capital and business support, delivered by southern Ontario’s Community Futures Development Corporations.

Who can apply: A Canadian or provincially incorporated business, co-operative or an Indigenous-owned business located in southern Ontario with 1 to 499 full-time equivalent employees. Must be facing funding pressures with fixed operating costs as a result of COVID-19. Have been a viable business before the COVID-19 pandemic and plan to continue to operate their business or resume operations. Have already applied to other Government of Canada emergency credit relief measures for which they are eligible, as outlined in the program guidelines.
Available: Applications for funding are accepted on an ongoing basis with no submission deadlines, until the Fund is fully committed.
How to apply: Please fill out the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund application on the FedDev Ontario website.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

Support Programs for Indigenous Businesses

The federal government announced up to $306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses.

The funding will allow for short-term, interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, which offer financing and business support services to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses.

These measures will help 6,000 Indigenous-owned businesses get through these difficult times.

Financial support for Indigenous businesses will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and the Métis capital corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.

At this stage, you can address your questions to NACCA.

Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund

The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund (IPRF) is an Indigenous-led effort to respond to urgent community needs while taking a long-term view on building community resilience.

With the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, communities across Canada and around the world are facing an unprecedented moment; one that is challenging our collective ability to deliver services that communities depend on. For Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led organizations working to respond to COVID-19 in the context of pre-existing economic and health disparities, the impacts are even more pronounced.

Who can apply: Any Indigenous-led organization or Indigenous-serving organization working to foster resilience in Inuit, Métis, and First Nations communities anywhere in Canada can apply for resiliency funds ranging from $5,000 to $30,000.
Available: Open deadline.
How to apply: Click on Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund Emergency COVID-19 Application to complete the fillable application form on the website.
For more information: Visit the Community Foundations of Canada website.

Municipality of Clarington - Community Funding Program

Clarington's Community Funding Program provides opportunities to Clarington's not-for-profit and volunteer-based organizations to grow and make a difference in our community. Three funding programs provides options for start-up funding, growth, and in-kind contributions.

Who can apply: Clarington's not-for-profit and volunteer-based organizations.
Available: Application deadline is December 31, 2020.
How to apply: View the Clarington Community Funding application.
For more information: Visit the Clarington Community Funding website

Is your organization looking to access credit?

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

An expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), which would enable businesses, and not-for-profits eligible for CEBA loans (and that continue to be seriously impacted by the pandemic—to access an interest) free loan of up to $20,000, in addition to the original CEBA loan of $40,000. Half of this additional financing would be forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. An attestation of the impact of COVID-19 on the business will be required to access the additional financing.

As of October 26, 2020, eligible Canadian businesses currently operating through a personal bank account will be able to apply for CEBA.

Note, the CEBA support is being expanded from $40,000 to $60,000. This expansion will be available to all eligible previous and new CEBA applicants. Stay tuned to the CEBA website for more details.

Who can apply: Small businesses and not-for-profits. To qualify, organizations need to demonstrate they paid between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019.
Available: All applicants have until March 31, 2021 to apply for CEBA.
Note: Repayment of the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 per cent (up to $10,000).
How to apply: Contact your financial institution to apply.
For more information: Visit the Canada Emergency Business Account website.

Export Development Canada (EDC) Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

This program provides credit and cash flow term loans to small and medium-sized enterprises. It allows financial institutions to issue operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to existing clients, with 80 per cent guaranteed by EDC. This money is to be used for operational expenses, not for dividend payouts, shareholder loans, bonuses, stock buyback, option issuance, increases to executive compensation or repayment/refinancing of other debt.

Who can apply: Canadian businesses in all sectors that were otherwise financially viable and revenue generating prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Available: Now available at various financial institutions and credit unions.
How to apply: Contact your financial institution to apply.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium Enterprises

The program is designed in three segments to target support to different business sizes. Loans of up to $312,500 to businesses with revenues of less than $1 million. Up to $3.125 million for businesses with revenues between $1 million and $50 million. Up to $6.25 million for businesses with revenues in excess of $50 million.

Who can apply: Canadian businesses that were financially viable and revenue-generating prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Available: Application details will be made available by financial institutions.
Note: Loans would be interest-only for the first 12 months, with a 10-year repayment period.
How to apply: Contact your financial institution to apply.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

Business Development Bank Small Business Loan

Loans up to $100,000. For the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, the Small Business Loan is offered at 2.8 per cent interest rate, which is BDC’s Floating Base Rate of 4.55 per cent (effective March 31, 2020) minus 1.75 per cent.

Who can apply: Canadian-based businesses that are generating revenues for at least 24 months and have good credit history.
Available: Application are being accepted.
How to apply: You can apply online on the BDC website.
For more information: Visit the Business Development Bank of Canada website.

Are you an employer requiring tax relief?

Property Tax Relief

To support residents and businesses during this difficult time, the municipalities in Durham Region are waiving penalties and interest for 60 days for all residents and businesses effective with the April property tax instalment.

Who can apply: Residents and local businesses located in the municipalities within Durham Region.
Available: Beginning in April for 60 days.
How to apply: Relief is automatic. However, your bank may still charge you a fee.
For more information: Please visit these websites:

Are you renting a facility?

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations or charities who have seen a decrease in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020 until June 2021.

This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.

Who can apply: Businesses, non-profit organizations or charities that have experienced a decrease in revenue due to COVID-19.
Available: Starting on September 27^th, 2020 to June 2021.
How to apply: Access the application online with the Canada Revenue Agency.
For more information: Visit the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy website.

Commercial Renting

Major commercial landlords in Canada are offering rent deferrals to tenants as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to close their stores.

RioCan, Choice Properties, and CT real estate investments trusts have stated that they were working with tenants who need support because of the financial challenges brought on by the outbreak.

Please contact your landlord to see if there are flexible payments offered.

Do you own a business property?

Mortgage Relief

A 6-month payment deferral for mortgages is currently being offered to those who have a mortgage with a lender in Canada

Who can apply: Please contact your lender — your bank or your mortgage professional — who can tell you if you are eligible for a mortgage payment deferral.
Available: Effective immediately.
How to apply: Contact your institution for more details.
For more information: Visit the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation website or the website of your financial institution, such as:
- CIBC
- NBC
- Scotia Bank
- RBC
- TD Bank

Other mortgage relief options may be available through your financial institution.

Do you need relief for utility payments?

Starting June 1, 2020, the new COVID-19 Recovery Rate comes into effect for electricity customers who pay time-of-use (TOU) rates. This fixed rate will apply to TOU customer bills 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing stability and certainty for consumers as the government restarts the economy and supports individuals and families who continue to spend more time at home.

Starting November 1, 2020, customers will be able to choose a plan that best suits their household and lifestyle with the option of either TOU electricity rates or tiered pricing, which will provide a set rate for electricity up to a certain level of consumption.

Elexicon Energy

Offering financial assistance and payment flexibility to those affected by COVID-19.

Who can apply: Elexicon Energy customers.
Available: Immediately.
How to apply: Please contact a customer service representative using the contact information below.
For more information: Please visit the Elexicon Energy website. To speak to a customer service representative, please contact 905-420-8440 or 1-888-420-0070 or email customercare@elexiconenergy.com.

Hydro One

Small businesses and registered charities may be eligible to receive a one-time credit of up to $850 on their Hydro One bill.

Who can apply: Hydro One customers who have made at least one partial payment prior to March 17, 2020; have overdue amounts owing on at least two electricity bills since March 17, 2020; and the business was required to close for at least 15 business days because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Available: The program is available until August 31, 2020.
How to apply: Complete and submit an online application.
For more information: Visit the Hydro One Energy Assistance Program for Small Businesses website.

Oshawa Power

Offering financial assistance and payment flexibility to those affected by COVID-19.

Who can apply: Oshawa Power customers.
Available: Immediately.
How to apply: Please contact a customer service representative using the contact information below.
For more information: Please visit the Oshawa Power website. To speak to a customer service representative, please contact contactus@opuc.on.ca or 905-723-4623 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Do you need telecommunications relief?

Bell

Bell is offering assistance programs in terms of service rate adjustments, extra usage and credit, waived roaming fees, and extended return policy.

Who can apply: Bell customers.
Available: Contact Bell using the information below.
How to apply: Contact Bell using the information below.
For more information: Visit the Bell website.

Telus

Telus is waving roaming charges and offering free educational activities with Microsoft, flexible payment plans.

Who can apply: Telus customers.
Available: Contact Telus using the information below.
How to apply: Contact Telus using the information below.
For more information: Visit the Telus website or please contact 1-877-627-0504

Insurance Discounts

Did you know some insurance companies are offering discounts?

To help Canadians cope with the financial impact of COVID-19, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) member companies are offering substantial consumer relief measures. For consumers whose driving habits have changed significantly, IBC member companies are offering reductions in auto insurance premiums to reflect this reduced risk.

For more information, please contact your insurance providers to see what is available to you.

Other Supports for Individuals

Support for Indigenous communities

$305 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund will be provided to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities.

For more information, please visit the Government of Canada website.

Support for people experiencing homelessness

The Reaching Home initiative will be provided with $157.5 million to continue to support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak. The funding could be used for a range of needs, such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.

For more information, please visit the Government of Canada website.

Support for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres including on reserves

Supporting women and children feeling violence, by providing up to $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities.

For more information, please visit the Government of Canada website.

Individual Emergency Assistance

Ontario has made additional resources available to enable Ontario Works administrators and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) staff to provide additional assistance for those currently receiving social assistance, who are facing additional costs related to the COVID-19 outbreak. This funding can be used to meet a broad range of needs, for example: cleaning supplies, transportation, food or clothing that individuals and families may require due to COVID-19. Ontario Works and ODSP recipients can access emergency benefits by calling their caseworker. Emergency benefits for COVID-19 related expenses are the same for both programs: up to $100 for single individuals and up to $200 for families.

For more information, please visit the Province of Ontario website.

Are you an employee and not being paid due to being recently laid off, caring for someone ill, caring for children, quarantined or self-isolating?

Transition from Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) closed to retroactive applications on December 2, 2020. You can no longer apply for this benefit. If you were asked to provide additional documents to validate your application, you must ensure the CRA receives them by December 7, 2020.

If you were receiving CERB, you may be eligible for one of the new recovery benefits retroactive to September 27, 2020 and available until September 25, 2021. You may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Who can apply: Individuals who were receiving CERB, may be eligible.
Available: New recovery benefits are retroactive to September 27, 2020 and available until September 25, 2021.
How to apply: If you received CERB through Service Canada, continue completing reports. You do not need to re-apply. If you received CERB through Canada Revenue Agency, then you need to receive all your CERB payments before applying for EI benefits. You can apply at the end of your last CERB eligibility period.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRBC)

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) will provide $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools or child care facilities are closed. Funding may also be provided because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in one-week periods.

Who can apply: Eligibility criteria are described on the CRCB website and include those who are unable to work at least 50 per cent of their scheduled work because they are caring for a family member.
Available: The benefit is available between September 27, 2020 to September 25, 2021.
How to apply: Applications are available on the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit website.
For more information: Visit the the Government of Canada website for more details.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19 or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. The CRSB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

If you are eligible for the CRSB, you can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for a 1-week period.

Who can apply: Employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19.
Available: Applications are available for a maximum of two weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021. The two weeks do not have to be taken consecutively.
How to apply: Applications are available on the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit website.
For more information: Visit the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit website.

Durham Region resources

Invest Durham - Resources for Businesses in Durham Region

The Durham Economic Task Force has launched a website for businesses in Durham Region regarding government programs, services and supports available during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) offers resources to ensure that small businesses have the support they need during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more on the COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre website.

Operating licensed child care

Opening a child care centre

You can find information about opening a child care centre on the Ministry of Education website.

Wage enhancement

On December 15, 2016, the Ministry of Education gave direction to The Regional Municipality of Durham to roll out the Wage Enhancement Program in Durham Region.

To get more information, go to the Ministry of Education website.

The Ministry of Education's wage enhancement goals and focus are to:

Close the gap between Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) wages in the school boards and licensed child care programs.
Help licensed child care operators keep RECEs and child care staff.
Change the present child care system, so parents and children get quality child care service to support children's learning and development.
Strengthen the licensed home child care system.

These were essential considerations used to develop the process and expectations set out by the Region of Durham.

We will support operators with the application process. Operators must apply every year to get this funding. If an operator does not complete the application the operator's organization will not receive an allocation. All operators must submit a Wage Enhancement Attestation form in December to continue to receive monthly payments to pay employees.

New operators wanting to apply for funding can contact the Wage Enhancement Team by email WageEnhancement@durham.ca or by phone at 1-800-387-0642 ext. 3782 and request an application.

If you need help, you can contact the Wage Enhancement Team by email WageEnhancement@durham.ca or by phone at 1-800-387-0642 ext. 3782.

Please note: individuals may not apply. Individuals asking about their share of wage enhancement must fill in the Wage Enhancement Inquiry form.

Purchase of Service-Fee Subsidy application process

The Children's Services Division approves or denies new Purchase of Service Agreement applications in Durham based on quality and strong community need. This allows Children's Services to make sure that growth of the child care system is well planned.

The most important thing is that children and families in Durham have good quality, safe, child care and early learning programs.

Operators can contact the Children's Services, Early Learning Team to enquire about a Purchase of Service. Please call the Early Learning Secretary for assistance at 906-668-4113 ext. 2691.

Before moving ahead with the Purchase of Service application process, the Children's Services Division will consider factors such as community need and if the child care operator has had a clear license with the Ministry of Education for at least six months. If these factors are met, an application will be forwarded to the operator. Once the application is received, a budget check and Quality Assurance inspection of the site will occur and a full review will take place to determine if a Purchase of Service Agreement will be granted. The full process can take up to a year to complete. We will send a letter to the operator with the result.

The Durham Region Fee Subsidy Payment Policy is available for more information.

General Operating Program (GOP)

In 2013, the Ministry of Education released a new funding model for Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs) based on information about the community. The Ministry's aim was for CMSMs to change the wage subsidy processes into a GOP. Durham Region's goal was to use community input and research when developing the GOP. Until the provincial budget is announced in spring 2019, GOP will continue to be paid to operators based on 2018 allocations.

Licensed child care centres and home child care agencies, that are approved for a Purchase of Service Fee Subsidy Service Agreement in Durham, qualify for the General Operating Program.

Durham Region's Operating Criteria (DROC)

Infant

Toddler

Preschool

Before and After School

Assessment | Évaluation

Playground

Nutrition

Special Purpose Funding opportunities

2020 Special Purpose Funding application forms are now available. Applications will be reviewed and processed following the re-opening of the child care sites.

Forms and fee subsidy payment policy

Durham Region Health Department inspection information

The Health Department inspects all licensed child care centres in Durham Region to prevent the spread of illness. We provide information, control outbreaks and respond to complaints.

Online inspection results are here!

Child care centre inspection reports

Durham Notice of Inspection Disclosure By-law

Application package for child care centres (new or altered spaces)

You can fill out and submit an application for new programs or altered spaces in your child care centre.

Child care centre application

Child care educational resources

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Online Learning Module

Child care staff can support their education on infection prevention and control through the IPAC Online Learning Module.

The learning module has information about:

Chain of transmission
Risk assessment
Hand hygiene
Hygiene and disinfection practices
Environmental controls
Outbreak management

The Child Care IPAC Online Learning Module is currently being evaluated. Stay tuned for a summary report. The evaluation will help to improve the module and a revised module will be launched in the coming months. Thank you for your feedback.

Access the learning module

If you have not registered with Adobe Connect:

If you have already registered an account with Adobe Connect:

Log into the module

Print instructions

Minimum system requirements

A computer with Internet access is required to access the IPAC module. Each chapter may take three to five minutes to load. Please be patient.
Flash Player 10 or higher is required to view the IPAC module.
The IPAC module contains audio narration; it is recommended that you turn on your computer's speakers, or wear headphones if you are in a shared environment.

Wee Care Manual

Wee Care Manual Survey Results

The Wee Care Manual is an educational resource provided by the Health Department to all licensed child care centres for all of your centre's day-to-day needs.

If your centre doesn't have a manual, please contact your area public health inspector.

The manual has information about:

Infection control and outbreak management
Immunization
Infectious diseases
Safe environment
Healthy lifestyle
Related fact sheets

Infection control practices

Use these guides for preventing the spread of germs in your centre and to help your staff follow correct infection control practices:

Outbreak management and reporting in child care settings

Experiencing an outbreak or suspected outbreak in a child care setting

Outbreaks or suspected outbreaks must be reported to the health department immediately.

Report an outbreak in a child care setting

If this online reporting form is not available, please contact the Durham Health Connection Line. For after-hours public health emergencies, please call 905-576-9991 and ask to speak to the public health inspector on call.

Use the following resources to prevent outbreaks and to detect when they occur:

Keeping hands clean

You can stop the spread of germs and reduce your risk of getting sick by keeping your hands clean.

Keeping hands clean video

Cleaning and disinfection

You can reduce the spread of germs and illness in your centre with regular cleaning and disinfection.

Use the resources below to make sure you are cleaning and disinfecting correctly:

Animals and child care centres

Animals can offer a valuable learning experience, but can also expose children and staff to infections and injuries, and are a source of allergens.

Children can develop infections from animals. Younger children, under age five, are at a higher risk.

Wee Care newsletter

The Wee Care newsletter is designed specifically for operators and staff of licensed child care centres in Durham Region, to provide information and resource material to help in their daily operation. This newsletter is published twice a year.

Learn more about submission guidelines.

Other resources

Guidelines for infectious diseases reporting and exclusion

Environmental Health Line
101 Consumers Dr. Whitby, ON L1N 1C4
T.: 905-723-3818
Toll Free:: 1-888-777-9613
F.: 905-666-1887
Email Health Department

Operating a Child Care Centre

Reopening Early Learning and Child Care for Operators

Children's Services COVID-19 Early Learning Updates

Financial supports during the COVID-19 pandemic

Are you an employee and not being paid due to being recently laid off, caring for someone ill, caring for children, quarantined or self-isolating?

Durham Region resources

Operating licensed child care

The Ministry of Education's wage enhancement goals and focus are to:

Infant

Toddler

Preschool

Before and After School

Playground

Nutrition

Durham Region Health Department inspection information

Online inspection results are here!

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Online Learning Module

The learning module has information about:

Wee Care Manual

The manual has information about:

Use the following resources to prevent outbreaks and to detect when they occur:

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