On April 12, 2021, the Province of Ontario announced that elementary schools will temporarily move to online learning as part of the provincial stay-at-home order. Effective April 19, 2021, emergency child care will be available for school-aged children of eligible health care and front-line workers. Learn more on how to access this targeted emergency child care on our Finding Quality Child Care web page.
Get the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Durham Region at durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus. For information about impacts to Regional programs and services, visit durham.ca/ServiceChanges.
The Children's Services Division is the system manager for early learning and child care in Durham Region. We are committed to supporting the reopening of licensed child care and EarlyOn Child and Family Centres in a way that ensures programs are safe places that support healthy development. To support licensed child care operators during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have provided the following:
- Sample health and safety policies and PPE application
- Special edition COVID-19 Early Learning Updates
- Financial supports during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Reopening toolkit for licensed child care
Parents are encouraged to view our frequently asked questions web page for information about the enhanced health and safety measures in licensed child care centres and homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan: 2018-2022
Find early learning programs and child care in your neighbourhood
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. In 2020, we invite children and youth across Durham Region to gather, once again, and consider the meaning of these rights.
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.
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