Eligibility Further Expanded for Emergency Child Care Program

Sarnia, ON - The Province of Ontario has further expanded the eligibility list for the Emergency Child Care Program for school-aged children, which was introduced to support health care and front line workers during the extended school closure.

"We're pleased to see the list of eligible essential workers extended further," said Melissa Fitzpatrick, Manager, Homelessness Prevention and Children's Services. "There are still spaces available in the program at several locations throughout the County. I am happy that we will be able to offer assistance to more families who are in need of child care through this program, as a result of the Province expanding the list of eligible essential workers."

The province has added additional occupations to the eligibility list, which can be found in the background document issued by the Province. The full list, which is expected to be updated soon to include the new additions, can be found on Province of Ontario website. Emergency child care for school-aged children of health care and frontline workers is currently offered at 12 locations throughout the County of Lambton. The list of locations and additional details are available in the information document on the County of Lambton website.

School aged child care spaces are limited at each site. Eligible families must follow the steps outlined below to apply for emergency child care:

Step 1: From the list of agencies, contact the child care provider of your choice to register and determine if a space is available that meets your needs.

Step 2: Complete a simplified application for emergency child care by emailing childcareadmin@county-lambton.on.ca or by calling the County of Lambton Children's Services Department at: 519-344-2062 extension 2201.

Step 3: Staff from the Children's Services Department will follow up with you within 2 business days to confirm eligibility. Department staff will also confirm your eligibility with the child care operator.

For more information on child care in the County of Lambton, visit lambtononline.ca/childcare.

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Please contact:

Melissa Fitzpatrick
Manager, Homelessness Prevention and Children's Services
County of Lambton
519-344-2062 ext. 2016
Email Melissa Fitzpatrick