Durham Region releases early learning and child care service plan through 2027
The Region of Durham released a new Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan on March 11 in Whitby that sets out priorities for licensed child care and early learning across Durham Region through 2027.
For families in Clarington who use licensed child care or early years programs, the plan outlines four areas Durham says it will focus on over the next two years: expanding access, improving inclusion supports, addressing early childhood educator staffing, and using virtual services and technology.
According to the plan, the first priority is expanding access to child care. Durham’s announcement says this includes improving access and inclusion in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system, building capacity in licensed home child care, and using available funding to expand support programs and services.
The second priority is supportive and inclusive child care. Durham says the plan includes mental health and well-being supports for early learning and child care staff, along with diverse, equitable and inclusive practices, supports for children with special needs, and “wraparound” services for children and families.
A third priority is increasing, attracting and retaining Registered Early Childhood Educators. The Region of Durham says the plan includes workforce strategies, efforts to promote the profession, and pathways to become a registered early childhood educator.
The fourth priority focuses on virtual service delivery and technology, which Durham says will be used to support communication and collaboration.
In a statement included with the release, Julie Gaskin, Durham’s director of children’s services, said the plan is intended to make the system “accessible, affordable, high-quality and responsive to the needs of our growing community.”
Durham Region noted it serves as the Consolidated Municipal Services Manager for Durham Region and is responsible for co-ordinating the local early learning and child care system.