Waterloo Region Early Learning Coalition
FAQ's - Waterloo Region Early Learning Coalition
What you should know about changes coming to Before & After school care for 4 - 7 year olds
Key Facts for Parents and Guardians
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Waterloo Region is the ONLY area in the Province where the school boards plan to provide ALL before & after school care for children 4 - 7
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No consultation has been held with parents and guardians about what choice they would want for their children
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Rates for before & after school care for members of our coalition are $17 - $22 per day while the school boards charge up to $26
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In summer, the school boards have said it won't offer any child care similar to what is now available through existing centre. Child cares will no longer be set up to help parents in the summer, parents will need to rely on camps, and recreation programs - other options with shorter hours and less availability
What it means for Infants, Toddlers, Pre-schoolers & 8 - 12 Year Olds
Birth to 3 Years
Child care fees for children from birth to 3 years old are expected to increase by 15-30% to offset higher cost of serving younger children.
Some child care centres will close across the Region as a result of the proposed model
Children 8 - 12 Years Old
When children turn 8, before & after school care will not be available through the school board
Parents will need to look for alternative care OR the school boards may look to community organizations to run before and after school
An important set of voices is not being heard while three levels of government make decisions that affect your child, you and your family. We encourage you to make your voice heard.
Contact your family, friends & Neighbours
We could use your help spreading the word about the coming changes and how they impact your child care choices. Until now full day kindergarten did not have an impact on our before & after school programming so most parents do not realize that change is coming.
Contact your school board trustees
We suggest the best way to contact your elected representatives is individually by e-mail, by phone, in person and with a letter. At this time, it is best to contact school board trustees. Petitions may also be helpful but would not replace the more personal contact.
Waterloo Region Public School Trustees
Waterloo Region Catholic School Trustees
