A new licensed child care centre is setting up in Schumacher.
In December, District School Board Ontario North East (DSBONE) received word from the Ministry of Education that a submission for more than $1.1 million to create the facility at Schumacher Public School had been approved.
“This is something that has been of great interest to the board of trustees and the community of Schumacher Public school for many years, so it’s outstanding news and it’s a great way for us to start the new year in DSBONE,” said director of education Lesleigh Dye.
The announcement was made at the Jan. 9 District School Board Ontario North East board meeting.
The submission for a licensed centre with 49 child-care spaces was made by DSBONE and the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board in August 2017.
Pearl Fong-West, superintendent of business and finance, and treasurer, said staff are meeting with consultants on Thursday to get the project underway. She said they are hoping to start renovations in the spring, and open no later than Jan. 1, 2019.
Board chair Bob Brush said the space at Schumacher Public where the facility will go “is not currently being occupied by the pupils of Schumacher Public.”
According to the school board, the proposed faciltiy would use 3,237 square fee in the northern wing of the school. The location was chosen because it's close to the gym, playground, and has a convenient private entrance and area for parents to drop off their children.
The board said the centre will have two areas across the hall from each other. One will house the pre-schoolers, office, staff room, stroller storage area and washroom. The other area wil have a kitchen, laundry room, and space for infant and toddlers.
There used to be a day care in the community, which is now closed.
“So there’s always been a need, but it was to get the ministry on board to approve and agree with what we’ve identified as a need,” he said.
The child care spots at the new facility will be open to everyone.
“What we find in other schools that have a child care is often it’s the families of that school, but then also surrounding families may have an interest and there’s space in the child care and so they also participate,” Dye said.
Dye said the board is grateful that the province for approving the funding.
“This is great news for families in Timmins,” said Indira Naidoo-Harris, the Minister responsible for Early Years and Child Care, in a statement. “Local families will now benefit from new licensed child care spaces that are more convenient and closer to home. This investment gives young children a strong start in life, and supports families with access to safe, high-quality licensed child care.”
