Simcoe area families will soon have more access to high-quality licensed child care.
BRANTFORD, Ontario - The Ministry of Education has approved over $1.7 million dollars to build a new child care centre attached to Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Simcoe. As part of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board’s (BHNCDSB) capital project plan, the 49 licensed child care spaces, proposed through a submission by the Board, is scheduled to welcome families beginning January 2022.
The announcement is part of the Ontario government’s goal of creating up to 30,000 new licensed child care spaces in schools across the province over five years.
“We are pleased that our proposal was approved,” said Chair of the Board Rick Petrella. “Holy Trinity Catholic High School is a fantastic location for the child care centre addition. Due to the layout of the existing site, access for families to pick up and drop off their children will be safe and convenient.” Norfolk Trustee and Vice-Chair Carol Luciani and Norfolk Trustee Cliff Casey are excited about the new opportunity and service for area families.
“We are ensuring child care is safe, affordable and high-quality for Simcoe families,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “By building a new child care centre at Holy Trinity Catholic High School, the Government of Ontario is taking real action to serve the needs of parents and children, and investing in the future of rural communities and economies.”
“The funding for this child care addition to Holy Trinity Catholic High School is great news for our community,” said Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk. “This investment will provide choice and flexibility for families and new opportunities for children.”
“We are very excited to have had the opportunity to work with our community partners in order to increase the number of licensed child care spaces to children and families within our community,” said Michelle Balint, Program Manager, Children’s Services - Haldimand Norfolk Social Services and Housing. “There is a great need for child care and a centre at Holy Trinity will be a wonderful addition to our early years system.”
The new three-room child care centre will be built at the northeastern corner of the existing school. Operated by a third-party service provider, Today’s Family, the new child care centre will provide much needed options for the families from Simcoe and the surrounding areas.
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For more information about this media release or the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board contact:
Tracey Austin | Manager of Communications and Community Relations
(P) 519-756-6505 Ext. 234 (C) 519-732-5282 (E) taustin@bhncdsb.ca
