More licensed child care centres are beginning to reopen within Chatham-Kent as businesses and services come back during the gradual provincial economic reopening.
CK Director of Child Care and Early Years Kelly Emery said many child care centres already opened across Chatham-Kent during Phase 2 of Ontario's economic reopening and two more will be reopening in the next few weeks as more parents head back to work.
"We know that child care plays a critical role in our community and the municipality has been working diligently with the operators to ensure that they have the necessary resources to provide quality care with enhanced safety measures," said Emery.
The Minister of Education announced this week that all licensed child care centres will be able to move from groups of 10 to groups of 15, including children and staff, beginning July 27.
Emery said the child care providers will need time to adjust their operations and protocols but this increase in "cohort size" will definitely assist parents in obtaining child care in order to return to work.
Meanwhile, the Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) has decided to not reopen branches as the province enters Phase 3 of its economic re-opening. However, curbside pickup remains an option for CK residents at some branches.
CKPL said branches won't fully reopen until an effective and efficient library service can be provided within provincial health and safety restrictions that is safe for both patrons and staff.
"CKPL continues to work hard on a reopening plan that will meet both provincial and local health guidelines," said CEO and Chief Librarian Tania Sharpe.
