Red Lake is the latest community to get out of the child care business.
Council has approved and finalized the transfer of the operation of its Early Years and Child Care programming and services to the Kenora District Services Board.
The move is being done to enhance service levels, find efficiencies and mitigate financial and funding impacts.
The KDSB will operate the Red Lake Early Learning Centre, St. John’s Early Learning Centre, and Balmertown Early Learning Centre and Early ON programs starting on January 1.
There will be no impact on staffing levels and there will be no visible changes.
There will be a brief interruption in services for children and their families from January 4 to 8, to orientate employees.
The KDSB and Municipality will be working closely for the rest of this year to ensure a smooth transition.
Red Lake Chief Administrative Officer Mark Vermette says “As a municipality, we are confident that the transition will allow children and their families to continue receiving quality Child Care programming. We appreciate the outstanding service our Child Care staff and their continued role in enriching the lives of children in our community.”
Mayor Fred Mota says “The Municipality of Red Lake recognizes the significant importance of having Early Years and Child Care programming for our community’s families and children. Council’s decision to transfer the Municipal Child Care services to the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) was not taken lightly, in fact, it took our Municipality over six years to get to this point. Our decision was made considering the best interests of our families and children, our Municipal employees, and the community as a whole. I believe the KDSB is an exceptional leader of child care services and will ensure our families have affordable, accessible and sustainable Child Care programming.”
Henry Wall is the Chief Administrative Officer with the KDSB and says “This transfer of service and programming will ensure that the Early Years and Child Care programs in Red Lake remain affordable, accessible and sustainable into the future. There will be no visible changes to the services children and families are accustomed to and that KDSB’s Child Care operating model will focus on enhancing the programs for the community of Red Lake.”
