Children’s Services

Children’s Services Reports and Planning

Value-for-Money Audit of Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre

Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System Priority Areas for Directed Growth 2023-2026

The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) is supporting increased access to affordable and high-quality child care programs for families with children from age 0-5. CWELCC will reduce fees to an average of $10/day for these age groups by March 2026.

Child Care Fee Subsidy

The Child Care Fee Subsidy program provides financial assistance to eligible families who may require help in paying for the costs of child care, supporting workforce participation and the pursuit of education or training. Families may be determined to be eligible based on income, and their reason for service, including employment and educational activities.

To learn more and see if you are eligible, please call 519-271-3773 ext. 6271 or 1-800-669-2948 ext. 6271 to speak to the Children’s Services Worker, or email the Children’s Services Division.

Resource Consultant Program

The Children's Services Division supports the inclusion of children with special needs under 13 years of age in licensed child care, camps and recreations, and EarlyON programs through its Resource Consultant Program.

The Resource Consultant Program supports educator capacity to address the needs of all children and foster inclusive practices so that all are able to actively and meaningfully participate in programs.

Approaches are delivered in alignment with the Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years, How Does Learning Happen?, which articulates a strength-based view of children, families and educators supported by four foundations that are essential for all children to grow and flourish: Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression.

To learn more, please call 519-271-3773 ext. 6299 or 1-800-669-2948 ext. 6299, or email the Children’s Services Division.

If you would like to make a referral, please complete this Referral to the City of Stratford's Resource Consultant Program and email to Children's Services Department.

The Children's Services Division provides professional learning opportunities to promote and enhance capacity to continue to provide high quality child care and early years programs. Representing the Stratford, St. Marys & Perth County, the Professional Learning Community provides accessible, valuable resources and learning opportunities for child care professionals. For more information about professional learning opportunities, see below.

EarlyON Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County is evolving, the same ways valuable emergent curriculum does for our children!   Are you looking for meaningful and impactful programs for your growing family?  How about programs that teach you and your children through play and inquiry based principles?  EarlyON Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County has you covered!  Our programs are open to all and are offered at no cost. In this welcoming environment, parents, caregivers and children share experiences, feel supported and engage in exploration and play.

EarlyON centres and satellite locations are accessible and open various hours throughout the day, evening and weekends.  A variety of program spaces are available for your family to use at your convenience.  Drop in and structured programs are offered for children ages birth to six years as well as community resources and information sessions for parents and caregivers. 

EarlyON programs will help you and your children create lasting relationships and connections within the community, provide your children with the opportunity to create and explore, and provide you with  parenting support for your family’s health and well-being.