Early Years and Child Care

Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centres Needs Assessment and Initial Plan for Perth County

This report presents a transition plan for the delivery of early years programs in Perth County, the Town of St. Marys, and the City of Stratford through a new service structure called Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centres ("Child and Family Centres"), which come into effect on January 1, 2018.

In preparation for the launch of Child and Family Centres, the Social Services Department of the City of Stratford ("Service Manager") has prepared a comprehensive needs assessment and initial plan which contains:

• Socio-demographic profile of young children (ages 0-6) living in Perth County;
• Examination of the early years programs and services currently offered in Perth County;
• Summary of the community insights and feedback, obtained through an extensive community consultation process; and
• Recommendations for making enhancements to Ministry of Education funded child and family support programs currently offered in the community.

This transition plan will form part of a broader five-year children's services system plan which will be submitted to the Ministry of Education in 2019.

You can review the report by clicking here or on the title above.

Early Years and Child Care Division Overview

The Early Years and Child Care Division is the manager for child care in Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County. In partnership with the community, the Early Years and Child Care Division promotes fair and equal access to high quality care for children, and support to their families and caregivers.

Children's services are planned, managed and provided in ways that promote early learning and development, and that respond to family needs and choices. We believe that integrated child care planning ensures public value and benefit to all.

To learn more about licenced childcare centres and licensed home child care in Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County, please click on a location.

• Stratford
• St. Marys
• North Perth
• Perth East
• West Perth

Fee Subsidy

The Early Years and Child Care Division provides financial assistance for licensed child care and recreation program costs.

Parents eligible for child care Fee Subsidy may include those who are actively employed or enrolled in school, have children with special needs, or who may be facing emergency situations.

To find out more about Child Care Fee subsidy, please call 519-271-3773 x200 or 1800-669-2948 x200, or review our Child Care Subsidy brochure.

You will be required to complete an application form, and meet with a member of our Early Years and Child Care Division staff to finalize your Fee Subsidy application.

Children's Resource Consultant Program

The Early Years and Child Care Division supports families and early learning programs through the Children's Resource Consultant Program. 

Resource Teachers are available to consult with staff and families about early learning supports and strategies for children with special needs. Funding is available for staff, training, and equipment or other learning resources for children with special needs.

To learn more about the Children's Resource Consultant program, please call 519-271-3773 or 1-800-669-2948 x229. You can also check our 2013 Children's Resource Consultant Year in Review.

To submit a referral to the Children's Resource Consultant Program:

Please complete this the referral to Children's Resource Consultant Program form. You will also need to complete a Children's Resource Consultant Consent form found Children's Resource Consultant Consent form.