Child Care Programs
Please note that Kids & Us is experiencing an huge increase in requests for childcare due to the Canada Wide Early Learning and Childcare Agreement’s commitment to an average of $10/day childcare. This, compounded with staff shortages means very long waitlists for childcare. We understand that this is frustrating and disappointing for families needing childcare. Please be kind, Kids & Us did not create this unfortunate situation, and are doing our best to manage it.
Our programs are designed with the children’s interests, keeping in mind the well-being of the whole child and the “How Does Learning Happen?” Framework. We strive to meet the physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs of each individual child through our emergent curriculum. We encourage flexibility in our programs which allows our teachers to capture those teachable moments when a child is exploring or experimenting with materials. Children are invited to “play to learn” through provocations and inquiries. For all of our programs, there are planned outdoor activities for approximately 2 hours per day, if weather permits.
Infants
13 to 18 months – Staff / Child Ratio 1/5
Limited spaces are available at our centres for infants as part of a toddler group. Infants must be 13 months of age to be enrolled. Contact the centre in your area to determine if an infant space is currently available.
Toddler Program
18 to 30 months – Staff / Child Ratio 1/5
A qualified RECE teacher provides opportunities for the children to play to learn with a variety of opportunities in arts, gross and fine motor, early literacy, sensory, dramatic play, science and math activities. If a parent requests a written report of their child’s day, the teacher will provide one.
30 to 60 months – Staff / Child Ratio 1/8
A qualified RECE teacher provides age appropriate provocations and inquiries as the children play to learn. These include arts, gross and fine motor, early literacy, sensory, math and science activities.
4 to 13 years – Staff / child Ratio 1/15
4 to 6 years – Staff / Child Ratio 1/13
A qualified RECE teacher supports a variety of age appropriate activities including arts, gross and fine motor, literacy, sensory, math and science activities.
Facilities
Our not for profit childcare programs are offered in the following locations:
Dundalk Durham Holstein Markdale Osprey Paisley
All of our centres are licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and are regulated by the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and most are located in local elementary schools increasing the convenience for parents. While each centre is distinct, they all offer large playgrounds in a setting that is bright, colourful, and warm. All meals and snacks are prepared according to the Canadian Food Guide.
Centres are open Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, throughout the year, with some exceptions. We are closed on all statutory holidays, Easter Monday, and for those days between Christmas and New Years.
Before and After Programs
Our programs are offered in the following locations, some of which are located inside our Child Care Centres:
Ayton Chesley Dundalk Durham Flesherton
Holstein Markdale Mildmay Osprey Paisley
Kids and Us continues to work with both Bluewater District School Board and Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board to offer multiple before and after programs within schools where there is a demonstrated need. We offer care to support flexible work schedules to ensure that all children may benefit from quality programs. Some programs offer non-instructional day programs for PD Days and School Holidays, please contact your school’s program to determine types of care provided.
Bruce County Resources:
Grey County Resources:
Fee Subsidy Information
Contact your local child care site to apply.