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

In Durham, the Children's Services Division, as the system manager for early learning and child care is committed to reopening early learning and child care programs in a way that ensures learning and care environments are safe places that support healthy development. We understand that reopening needs to occur in a professional well thought out manner and requires preparation.

We are collaborating with the Durham Region Health Department as the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) to provide you with the information you need to support the reopening process.

The Health Department is directing child care operators to ensure the attached Public Health and Safety Association: Precautions when working as a child care provider, and Public Health and Safety Association: Health and safety guidance during COVID-19 for employers of child care centres documents are used as a minimum standard to develop reopening COVID policies. It is expected that the requirements set out in the attached documents are included in reopening policies as a minimum standard.

The Durham.ca website Reopening Toolkit includes resources to assist operators.

Sample enhanced Health and Safety Policy and Procedure templates and PPE application

Sample policies to guide operators in their reopening policy development

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

Financial supports during the COVID-19 pandemic

On June 9, Ontario's Premier announced that starting June 12, child care centres across the province could reopen. On June 11, the Province released guidelines to The Region of Durham as the system manager to support the development of the Regional reconciliation and reopening funding processes for child care operators in Durham. The funding guidance documents can be found on the Ontario website.

Child care operators with a Purchase of Service Agreement will work through the reconciliation and recovery process developed and implemented by the Region of Durham, that considers the funding and service impacts related to COVID-19 closures, the Declaration of Emergency and the reopening period.

Child care operators without a Purchase of Services 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 is available below. Excellent record keeping will be important to ensure the ability to complete 2020 Canada Revenue Agency filing. Additionally, operators with a 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)

Canadian employers may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of employee wages, retroactive to March 15.

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.
Available: Subsidy is available retroactive to March 15, 2020.
How to apply: There are three ways to apply: (1) Most businesses may apply using My Business Account. (2) Business representatives may apply using Represent a Client. (3) If neither is an option for you, use the Web Forms application using your web access code.
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.

Refund for certain payroll contributions

One hundred per cent refund for employer-paid contributions to Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for eligible employees for each week throughout which those employees are on leave with pay and for which the employer is eligible to claim for the CEWS for those employees.

Who can apply: Those who are eligible for CEWS will be eligible for this expansion benefit.
Available: Subsidy available for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020.
How to apply: Those who applied for CEWS will also be applying for this expansion benefit as well (see above).
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

10 per cent Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers

The 10 per cent Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The subsidy is equal to 10 per cent of the remuneration you pay from March 18 to June 19, 2020, up to $1,375 for each eligible employee to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer.

Who can apply: Employers are eligible if they are a(n) individual employers (excluding trusts), partnership, non-profit organization, registered charity, or Canadian-controlled private corporation (including a cooperative corporation) eligible for the small business deduction; have an existing business number and payroll program account with the CRA on March 18, 2020; and pay salary, wages, bonuses, or other remuneration to an eligible employee.
Available: March 18 to June 19, 2020.
How to Apply: You do not need to apply for the subsidy. The subsidy is calculated when you remit these amounts to the CRA. Once you have calculated your subsidy, you can reduce your current payroll remittance of federal, provincial, or territorial income tax that you send to the CRA by the amount of the subsidy.
Note: To help Canadian businesses and their advisors calculate this subsidy, Tax Templates Inc. has created a free Wage Subsidy Worksheet.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

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.

Is your organization looking to access credit?

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 that may be used for non-deferrable operating expenses including, without limitation, payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, property tax and regularly scheduled debt service. 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).

Who can apply: Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations.
Available: The CEBA has been available since April 9, 2020.
How to apply: Contact your financial institution to apply.
For more information: Visit the Canada Emergency Business Account website.
Note: The CEBA has been extended to December 31, 2020. If you have already applied for CEBA and have questions, please contact the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201.

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?

Flexibility for businesses filing taxes

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will allow businesses to defer until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020.

The CRA will not contact any small or medium businesses to initiate any post-assessment GST/HST or income tax audits for the next four weeks.

Who can apply: Canadian-based businesses.
Deadline: Filing date is June 1, 2020 and payment date is September 1, 2020.
How to apply: No need to apply. Check the Canada Revenue Agency site for more details.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

Deferral of GST/HST Remittances

The CRA will allow all businesses to defer, until the end of June 2020, any GST/HST payments or remittances that become owing on or after March 27, 2020, and before June 2020. This means that no interest will apply if your payments or remittances are made by the end of June 2020

Who can apply: Canadian-based businesses.
Deadline: No interest will apply if your payments or remittances are made by the end of June 2020.
How to apply: Relief is automatic.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

Interest and Penalty Relief for Businesses

This relief period will help businesses around the province focus on supporting the well-being of their employees and their continued operations during this time of uncertainty. Beginning April 1, 2020, penalties and interest will not apply to Ontario businesses that miss any filing or remittance deadline under select provincial taxes. This will continue for a period of five months.

Who can apply: Ontario businesses.
Available: Beginning April 1, 2020 for a 5-month period.
How to apply: Relief is automatic.
For more information: Visit the Province of Ontario website.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) payment deferrals

Who can apply: All employers covered by the WSIB’s workplace insurance are automatically eligible for the financial relief package.
Available: Schedule 1 employers who owe premiums to the WSIB will be allowed to defer reporting and payments until August 1, 2020. Schedule 2 businesses that pay WSIB for the cost related to their workplace injury and illness claims can defer reporting and payments until August 31, 2020.
How to apply: Relief is automatic.
For more information: Please visit the WSIB website for more details.

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?

Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (OCECRA)

The program has been developed to share the cost between small business tenants and landlords. Small business tenants* and property owners (i.e. landlords) would each be asked to pay 25 per cent of the before profit costs, and the provincial and federal government would cost-share the remaining 50 per cent.

Property owners must offer a minimum of a 75 per cent rent reduction for April, May and June 2020.

CECRA for small businesses offers you a forgivable loan worth 50 per cent of the value of your small business’ rent each month. The loans will be forgiven if you comply with all applicable program terms and conditions – including to not recover forgiven rent amounts when the program is over.

Who can apply: Commercial property owners with small business tenants will need to apply for OCECRA. The commercial property owner must:
- own commercial real property which is occupied by one or more impacted small business tenants
- enter (or have already entered) into a legally binding rent reduction agreement for the period of April, May and June 2020, reducing an impacted small business tenant’s rent by at least 75 per cent
- ensure the rent reduction agreement with each impacted tenant includes:
- a moratorium on eviction for the period during which the property owner agrees to apply the loan proceeds, and
- a declaration of rental revenue included in the attestation
- An eligible small business tenant is one that:
  - pay no more than $50,000 in monthly gross rent per location (as defined by a valid and enforceable lease agreement)
  - generate no more than $20 million in gross annual revenues, calculated on a consolidated basis (at the ultimate parent level)
  - have experienced at least a 70 per cent decline in pre-COVID-19 revenues

Available and How to Apply: The OCECRA would be administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and would be available from May 25 to August 31, 2020. Documents are available on the CMHC website to help property owners prepare for the application process.

For more information: Please visit the CMHC website for more details about the support, frequently asked questions for property owners and small business tenants, and the documents you need to apply. If you have specific questions about the support, please contact 1-800-668-2642 or email CECRA@cmhc.ca.

*The Ministry of Education will pay the tenant portion (25 per cent) of rent, as outlined in OCECRA for eligible child care operators who benefit from the OCECRA. For EarlyON Child and Family Centres, provincial funding will be provided to service providers to pay the tenant portion (25 per cent) of rent, as outlined in OCECRA.

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

Do you need relief for utility payments?

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

Providing customers with a number of relief measures:

Offering financial assistance as well as increased payment flexibility to customers experiencing hardship.
Hydro One will also be temporarily suspending late payment fees for all customers until May 7, 2020, in line with the Ontario government’s recently announced rate relief measures.
On March 27, 2020, Hydro One announced that they will also be returning about $5 million in security deposits, collected from newly connected customers, to over 4,000 eligible commercial business customers across the province, at a time when they need it most.
Hydro One’s Winter Relief program is also being extended, so that no customer will have their power disconnected during this difficult time.

Who can apply: Hydro One customers.
Available: Immediately.
How to apply: Please contact a customer service representative using the contact information below.
For more information: Please visit the Hydro One website. To speak to a customer service representative, please contact 1-888-664-9376.

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 is eligible: 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.

Fido

Fido is offering waived roaming fees and usage fees (for home internet members) and flexible payment options for those customers facing financial uncertainties.

Who is eligible: Fido customers.
Available: Waived roaming fees and usage fees (for home internet members) until April 30, 2020. Also, flexible payment options for those customers facing financial uncertainties until June 14, 2020.
How to apply: Contact Fido using the information below.
For more information: Visit the Fido website or please contact 1-888-481-3436.

Koodo

Koodo is waiving all roaming charges, crediting prepaid customer accounts with the full cost of U.S. roaming, providing flexible payment options for postpaid customers facing financial challenges because of COVID-19, and postponing all disconnection dates until further notice for postpaid customers so they can continue to keep in touch with family and friends.

Who is eligible: Koodo customers.
Available: Until the end of April.
How to apply: Contact Telus using the information below.
For more information: Visit the Koodo website or please contact 1-866-995-6636.

Rogers

Rogers is offering a few assistance programs during the pandemic. Microsoft Teams and Office 365 collaboration solutions available for free for six months. Rogers will also waive Roam Like Home and pay-per-use roaming fees in all available destinations for small business customers that need to travel outside of Canada. Small businesses with one to nine wireless lines on a single account are automatically included in these changes.

Who is eligible: Rogers customers.
Available: These measures are in place from March 16 until April 30, 2020.
How to apply: Contact Rogers using the information below.
For more information: Visit the Rogers website, or please contact 1-888-ROGERS1.

Telus

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

Who is eligible: 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

Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile is offering waived long distance and roaming fees. Also, flexible payment options for those customers facing financial uncertainties.

Who is eligible: Virgin Mobile customers.
Available: Offering waived long distance from March 16 to June 30, 2020 and roaming fees until April 30, 2020. Also flexible payment options for those customers facing financial uncertainties until June 14, 2020.
How to apply: Contact Virgin Mobile using the information below.
For more information: Visit the Virgin Mobile website or please contact 1-888-999-2321.

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?

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

A taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19. To receive the benefit, you must have had an income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of the application. You also must have been or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, you expect to have no employment income.

People who are normally eligible for employment insurance (EI) can continue to apply through EI and Service Canada, and they will automatically be enrolled in CERB.

Who can apply: Workers forced to stop working because of the outbreak, those sickened by COVID-19 and those who are not being paid but still have employment.
Available: March 15 to October 3, 2020. The deadline for applications is December 2, 2020.
Extra eight (8) weeks available: CERB extended from 16 weeks to 24 weeks for works who:
- stopped working due to COVID-19 or
- are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits or
- have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits or Employment Insurance fishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020.
How to apply: You can apply online or by phone through the automated toll-free line 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041. Please ensure you have the following before you call: Social insurance number (SIN), postal code, and the period you are applying for.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

Employment Insurance (EI) Regular or Sick Benefits

Who can apply: If you were recently laid off or have reduced hours and qualify for EI benefits that started before March 15, 2020, and these benefits end before October 3, 2020, you may then apply for the CERB if you meet the eligibility requirements, including that you have stopped work because of reasons related to COVID-19.
Available: As of March 15, if you had applied for EI you were automatically enrolled into the CERB; however, the programs are different. With the CERB you have up to $2,000 per month for a maximum four-month period. If you qualified for EI, once the CERB runs out, you will be transferred back to EI for payment continuation.
How to apply: You can apply online.
Note: You cannot be paid EI benefits and the CERB for the same period. A medical certificate is no longer required for EI claims beginning March 15, 2020.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

Enhanced Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Families that receive the CCB will get the extra $300 per child as a single payment in May.

Who can apply: Those already receiving the Canada Child Benefit. No need to apply
Available: May 2020.
How to apply: Those who currently not receiving CCB can apply online.
For more information: Visit the Government of Canada website.

Child subsidy

One-time $200 payment per child up to 12 years of age, and $250 for those with special needs, including kids enrolled in private schools.

Who can apply: Parents or guardians must submit one application per child. Only one parent or guardian may apply for each child, and the parent or guardian who applies should have custody of the child.
Available: Ongoing.
How to apply: You can apply online.
For more information: Visit the Province of Ontario website for more details.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRBC)

The CRCB gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care. This applies if their school, regular program or facility is closed or unavailable to them due to COVID-19, or because they're sick, self-isolating, or at risk of serious health complications due to COVID-19. If you're eligible, your household can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for each one-week period.

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: Applications are now open.
How to apply: If you are eligible, you can apply online using the CRA My Account or by phone at 1-800-959-2019.
For more information: Visit the the Government of Canada website for more details.

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. The site is updated at least once daily.

Emergency Child Care

Following the directive of the Government of Ontario, The Regional Municipality of Durham is offering emergency child care to eligible workers, at no cost. Emergency child care services are reserved exclusively for children of eligible workers who have no other alternatives.

COVID-19 Durham Community Resources

We’re helping to get the word out to support vulnerable and marginalized individuals in our communities. The Region of Durham has compiled a listing of available resources. This website is being updated regularly and reflects our understanding of resources that are available at this time.

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 more on the COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre website.

Support for your business

Find the support you need for your business. Answer a few questions to get a personalized list of support.

Children's Services COVID-19 early learning updates

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.

Fee Stabilization Funding

On January 1, 2018, the Fair Workplace Better Jobs Act, 2017 came into effect. The Ministry of Education provided funding to the Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs) to support licensed child care operators with employees currently earning less than $14 an hour. The objective of the Fee Stabilization Support funding was to increase wages and stabilize licensed child care fees in Ontario.

In November 2018 the Making Ontario Open for Business Act became law, repealing or adjusting much of the Fair Workplaces Better Jobs Act.

Details on funding allocations are expected after the announcement of the provincial budget in spring 2019. We will share funding information as it is made available.

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

Sample enhanced Health and Safety Policy and Procedure templates and PPE application

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

Children's Services COVID-19 early learning updates

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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