Good news for families in the Watford area.
Before and after school care will continue to be offered at East Lambton Elementary School.
The program will be operated by the North Lambton Childcare Centre starting in September.
The move comes after Lambton Rural Child Care announced earlier this year it would be ending its before and after school program at East Lambton Elementary on June 26.
Families currently enrolled in before and after school care at the site will automatically have a place held for them in September, with no interruption to care. Those currently on the waiting list will not have to reapply.
In addition to operating the before and after school program, North Lambton Childcare Centre will be adding 15 new full-day spaces at the elementary school on Centennial Avenue for children ages 18 months to four years.
Lambton County Manager of Children's Services Kim Godin says the department greatly appreciates the support and partnership with the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) and North Lambton Child Care to continue services.
"North Lambton Child Care’s addition of 15 new full-day childcare spaces within the school for children aged 18 months to four years is also wonderful news to celebrate," said Godin in a news release. "Both developments reflect our shared commitment to expanding accessible, high-quality childcare options that support families and promote the healthy development of children in our community.”
Director of the Lambton Kent District School Board Gary Girardi said the board celebrates opportunities that allow them to support not only current LKDSB families, but also future and potential LKDSB families.
"Expanding access to child care and wraparound services reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community and we’re proud to play a role in creating supportive, inclusive spaces for children to grow and thrive," said Girardi in a news release.
Warwick Township Mayor Todd Case was thrilled with the news.
“On behalf of the Township of Warwick, I want to sincerely thank Kim Godin and Valerie Colasanti with the county for their dedication and hard work in making this important initiative a reality," said Case in a news release. "We’re proud to have supported this project in any way we could, and it’s exciting to see meaningful steps being taken to support families in our community. We look forward to future announcements that continue to build on this fantastic news.”
The county said further details, including the registration process, will be shared with families in the coming weeks.