In Huron County there are different types of child care options to help meet the needs of families and children. Choosing the child care arrangement that best meets your needs and those of your child can be difficult, especially if it is your first child and they are still very young.

Child care centres provide care for children in a group setting; offering services for children aged six weeks right up to twelve years of age. The operating hours for centres vary, but most provide full-time care Monday to Friday during regular working hours. Some centres also offer part-time care as well as before and or after-school care.

All child care centres are licensed under the Day Nurseries Act and inspected annually. Centres are licensed for the maximum number of children who are grouped together by age. There are also maximum group size and staff to child ratios that vary according to the age of the children. Every group of children must include at least one trained staff person having an Early Childhood Education certificate or equivalent qualification.

Most child care centres have both full fee and subsidized spaces for families that qualify.

The following centre-based child care options are available:

• Child Care Centres
  These child care centres provide quality child care for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 10 years of age. Early morning openings and late closings permit them to offer extended care. The centres provide planned, supervised indoor and outdoor activities as well as nutritious meals. Professionally trained staff provide individual attention within a group setting and are trained to assess developmental and/or physical delays.


• Nursery Schools
  Nursery Schools are licensed programs under the Day Nurseries Act. They provide part-time care for pre-school children between 2 1/2 and 5 years of age. Some are cooperative nursery schools, where parents are very involved in the planning and operation of the program.


• Before and After School Programs
  Extended Day Programs are for children enrolled in Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten programs; they typically take place in the kindergarten room. Programs are designed to complement the core Full Day Kindergarten program and provide a seamless and consistent experience for the child.
  
  School Age Programs are geared for children aged 6-12 years, and are designed to provide opportunities to engage in age-appropriate activities in a safe and caring environment. Children in these programs participate in healthy eating, physical and social activities designed to support healthy child development.

Licensed Child Care Operators in Huron County