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Child Care
Some parents are able to stay home with their children on a long-term basis and help to foster the developmental skills they will need when they begin to attend school. Others take advantage of the many child care options that are offered such as preschool and day care that provide quality care, socialization and learning opportunities.
There are 2 options for child care in Ontario: licensed care and informal care. Depending on your situation, you may prefer to choose one over the other. Licensed child care facilities provide care to children outside of the child's home and are regulated by provincial law (Day Nursuries Act). Informal care is provided by relatives, friends, neighbors or nannies.
Learning During Your Child's Early Years
Your child begins a lifelong learning process from the day he/she is born. He/She learns how to smile, eat and communicate - just to name a few. There are a number of programs that you can participate in with your child as she grows up to help her learn and bond with you as the primary caregiver.
In Ontario, the early development of children is highly valued and the importance of quality care and learning opportunities is well-known. Whether you are new to parenthood or a seasoned veteran, there are a number of programs that provide an environment where you and your child can grow, learn and bond together.
Best Start
The Best Start program includes a system of "Hubs" which are family centres in schools & community centres that offer children and their families a place to meet, to learn and to grow together. Hubs offer services to families with children from birth to age 6 to help ensure all children get the best opportunities early in life. Hub services include free programs where all children are welcome, play groups, parent workshops, family activities, information on healthy development, field trips and much more. Each of the 12 Hubs has its own monthly calendar of programs & activities and these calendars can be downloaded by visiting the Best Start website. For more information, families can call 3-1-1 to find the Hub nearest them.
Follow the links on the left side of your screen to find out more about early learning, child care and preschool options for your child. |