The changes will give more parents access to safe, high-quality, and accessible child care
[TORONTO, ON] October 2, 2020 – With authorized recreation and licenced child care programs for 135,000 children and youth at over 300 locations, Boys & Girls Clubs across Ontario welcome the proposed changes announced today to regulations associated with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) as part of the ongoing CCEYA 5-year review.
Child care accessibility is more critical than ever, especially in rural areas, as the province grapples with COVID-19 repercussions and looks to recovery. By permitting Boys and Girls Clubs to provide authorized recreation programming for more than three hours per day for school-aged children, Clubs across Ontario will be able to accommodate children before AND after-school, giving parents across Ontario more access to safe, high-quality, and affordable child care.
“The proposed changes will support our local Clubs in providing more community-driven programs and services to support families,” says Owen Charters, President & CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. “Improving child care access, affordability, and parental choice is critical in Ontario. Our Clubs remain committed to supporting children, youth, and families and we look forward to working with the provincial government and local stakeholders to ensure the success of these planned changes.”
“As a provider of both licensed child care and authorized recreation, we welcome the opportunity to increase our services to families in our area,” says Amy Terrill, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes. “The proposed regulatory changes will create greater opportunities for parents to participate fully and confidently in the labour force, particularly in rural areas.”
By recognizing the unique needs of school-aged children, the proposed changes will support keeping older children in before- and after-school programs, which evidence has shown supports all aspects of their development and has a long-term positive impact.
About Boys and Girls Clubs of Ontario
As Canada’s largest child- and youth-serving organization, Boys and Girls Clubs provide vital programs and services to over 200,000 young people in 775 communities across Canada. At 319 locations across Ontario, 23 Boys and Girls Clubs provide before and after school programming for more than 135,000 children and youth every year. Our trained staff help young people build the confidence and sense of belonging they need to overcome barriers and form positive relationships. By delivering evidence-based and effective programs that reflect the diversity of their communities, our Clubs provide young people the opportunity to explore their interests, develop their strengths, and realize positive outcomes in academics, physical activity, technology, self-expression, healthy living, mental health, and more.
