Ontario Expanding Before- And After-School Care for Families

Head shot picture of Indira Naidoo-Harris who is the Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care
Photo: Indira Naidoo-Harris - Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care

More Children up to Age 12 Will Have Access to Licensed Care

As the new school year gets underway, Ontario is making it easier for children and families to access quality before- and after-school care.

Indira Naidoo-Harris, Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care, was at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Toronto today to announce that more than 80 per cent of schools across Ontario are now offering before- and after-school programs for 4-12 year olds.

As of September 1, 2017, Ontario now requires school boards to provide before- and after-school programs for children up to age 12, in all publicly funded elementary schools serving students up to Grade 6, where there is sufficient demand. These programs provide additional opportunities for play-based programming, and are a critical support for parents who rely on before- and after-school care to accommodate their work schedules.

Making licensed child care more affordable and more accessible for families is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives.

Quick Facts

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Quotes

“For many families the day doesn’t begin and end with a school bell, that’s why it’s important to give them the support they need to lead happy, successful lives. We are expanding before-and after-school programs that parents rely on every day to help them meet their daily challenges. We are working hard to meet the needs of Ontario families so they can access quality, affordable child care programs.”

Indira Naidoo-Harris

Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care

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