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Have you heard about the new Child Care and Early Years Plan coming to our London-Middlesex community in the next five years?
There are a multitude of benefits that come from children participating in early years programming, including:
- academic achievement
- health and well-being
- economic benefits
- lifelong success
Have you heard about the new Child Care and Early Years Plan coming to our London-Middlesex community in the next five years? This plan aims to ensure that the community has access to early childhood programming that is accessible, inclusive, high quality, responsive and affordable.
There are a multitude of benefits that come from children participating in early years programming, including: academic achievement, health and well-being, economic benefits, and lifelong success.
Together, these benefits demonstrate the power of a strong child care and early years sector in creating a brighter future for children and families in the London-Middlesex community.
That’s why the London-Middlesex Child Care and Early Years Service System Plan focuses on five strategic priorities, called Building Blocks, to deliver excellent care and support across the system:
- Accessibility: ensuring that families can readily access programs and services they need, close to home
- Inclusion: ensuring that families feel a sense of belonging and inclusion within child care and early years services
- Quality: ensuring that staff are fairly compensated, participate in workshops, seminars and training opportunities, and engage in professional learning
- Collaboration: ensuring that the child care and early years service system is seamless and family-centered, allowing families to connect with partners across the system with ease
- Backbone: ensuring that Service System Management is responsive and accountable
Over the course of the next five years, areas of focus in each of the Building Blocks will be explored and then Put into Play with actions designed to create forward momentum. Here’s what that looks like for you and your family:
1. Improved Access to Quality Child Care
Increasing the availability of high-quality child care spaces across London and Middlesex means more options for parents, shorter waitlists, and better access to care that meets the diverse needs of our community.
2. Affordable Child Care Options
Creating initiatives to provide financial support and subsidies to eligible families makes quality child care more affordable and accessible.
3. Enhanced Early Years Programs
Offering a range of inclusive, engaging, and educational early years programs that support children's development and learning provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
4. Support for Child Care Providers
Supporting child care operators and early years professionals with development opportunities, resources for improving program quality, and initiatives to attract and retain qualified staff ensures that children receive the best possible care and education.
5. Community Engagement and Feedback
Seeking feedback from families, caregivers, and child care providers ensures that our services continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. Your voice matters, and we are here to listen.
How You Can Get Involved
We encourage all families to take advantage of the opportunities this new plan offers. Whether you are looking for child care, interested in early years programs, or want to provide feedback, there are many ways to get involved:
1. Visit Our Website
Explore our website (City of London and/or Middlesex County) to find information on available child care services, early years programs, and financial assistance.
2. Connect with Providers
Reach out to local child care or early years providers to learn about the new programs and services available to you.
3. Stay Informed
Check back regularly to see reports on progress made on this plan.
Collaborating with families in the City of London and Middlesex County has helped to shape these strategic priorities so that the child care and early years system continues to grow and adapt to what communities need most. To learn more about this plan, visit the City of London website.