Public meetings to discuss the impacts of Full-Day Kindergarten on Toronto's child care system - Weston

Date: Feb 28, 2012

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Public meeting to discuss the impacts of Full-Day Kindergarten on Toronto's child care system

The Ontario Government has introduced Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK), which could have an impact on the availability of child care spaces in Toronto. Toronto City Council has asked the Province for additional funding so that child care spaces will not be lost.

The City of Toronto is holding two public meetings about the potential impacts of Full-Day Kindergarten on child care in Toronto:

• Tuesday, February 28, St. Jude Catholic School, 3265 Weston Rd.

"The City is willing to work with the Province on a transition plan so these spaces continue to be available for Toronto's economic and social well-being," said Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti (Ward 7 York West), Chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee. 

The City conducted an in-depth, site-by-site analysis to determine the impact of FDK on child care and the capital and operating requirements to maintain the licensed child care sector. Without additional funding, Toronto could lose 23 per cent or 7,284 licensed child care spaces at a time when more than 20,000 children are waiting for a space.

City Council has requested that the Ontario Government provide:
• $27.4 million in one-time capital funding to assist child care providers in renovating space vacated by those attending FDK to accommodate younger children. The care for younger children requires certain types of facilities according to provincial regulations.  To date, the Province has provided $1.1 million over three years.
• $27 million in fee subsidies for younger children and transitional funding to stabilize the child care system and to ensure that it remains stable, sustainable and affordable for families. To date, the Province has provided $4 million.

Additional information is available at http://toronto.ca/supportchildcare.