The Avon Maitland District School Board Is Looking For Partners To Provide Before And After School Programs

by Bob Montgomery

Many Avon Maitland District schools provide space for licensed childcare providers to offer before and after school services to families.

However, the board schools do not provide the service. They have partners who do that but there is a shortage of childcare providers to meet these needs in some schools, as indicated in an annual survey completed by parents and caregivers. Schools such as Brookside Public School in Ashfield Township, Hullett Central Public School in Londesborough, Huron Centennial Public School near Brucefield, and Downie Central Public School in St Pauls are in need of programs that provide in-school before and after childcare. So the Avon Maitland District School Board is looking for current child care or community organizations, or individuals interested in becoming licensed through the counties to offer this programming.

As Cheri Carter, Superintendent of Corporate Services, points out, "Each year, as required by the Ministry of Education, we survey families to assess their need for childcare, and the results consistently show that there are not enough spots for everyone who needs them. Many programs have wait lists, and families are forced to seek other options. We are prioritizing support for schools with the greatest need and hope that members of the community will come forward."

Anyone interested in learning more about the licensing process can contact Laurel Mitchell, Facilities Supervisor at laurel.mitchell@ed.amdsb.ca.