Local MPP Rick Nicholls, on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Education, announced a $2.1 million investment in the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) recently to support a child-care addition at Indian Creek Road Public School.
The provincial government funding will support 49 new child-care spaces and three new child-care rooms at Indian Creek Road Public School. This child-care addition will increase the number of available licensed child care spaces in Chatham-Kent.
“From modernizing our curriculum to revitalizing our classrooms and their facilities, we are investing in our students and giving them every tool to achieve their full potential,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce in a media release. “Our financing of this child-care addition in Chatham further demonstrates our government’s historic investment in Ontario’s schools and child cares, as well as our overall commitment to supporting our students and families.”
“The funding for this child care addition to Indian Creek Road Public School is great news for our community,” Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent Leamington, said. “This investment will provide choice and flexibility for families and new opportunities for the children of Chatham.”
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario currently operates a before- and after-school program at the school. Through this community partnership, the LKDSB is also able to further support families and promote successful transitions to school.
“We greatly appreciate the investment of the Government of Ontario to support local families through a new child care addition at Indian Creek Road Public School,” said LKDSB Chair Jane Bryce. “The LKDSB and community partners will continue to work together to support families with their child care needs and facilitate a successful transition to school.”
“The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is very pleased to be continuing our partnership with the LKDSB in a new child care centre located at Indian Creek Road Public School. Partnerships like this greatly enable us to achieve our mission of building healthy communities,” said Jo-elle Rinker, vice-president, Children’s Educational Services of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.
“The opening of additional licensed child care spaces aligns with the Ministry of Education’s vision of accessibility, affordability, inclusivity, and quality programming for children and families. This is fantastic news for Chatham-Kent as we value our children and understand the importance of early brain development,” said Kelly Emery, the municipality’s director of child care and early years division.
LKDSB senior administration will be working with the ministry and school to finalize a plan and timelines for construction. The LKDSB will also be meeting with the child-care provider to discuss future plans for the site.
