There is now a waitlist for Emergency Child Care.
If you have submitted an application we will keep your information on file and we will reach out if more licensed spaces become available.
It is unfortunate that we cannot meet the demand for child care spaces. Please know the staff in Child Care & Early Years and all of the child care staff are working diligently to assist families in this critical time.
Any questions should be directed to
ckchildcare@chatham-kent.ca.
The Ontario Government has ordered that all schools will move to remote learning effective January 5, 2022. As part of this order, licensed child care programs, including licensed home child care, will not be permitted to offer care to school-aged children, with the exception of limited emergency child care for those who qualify. The safest option for families is to have children remain at home, if possible.
Emergency child care may be available at no cost to eligible workers. It is important to note that not every eligible worker will have emergency care available to them. There are very limited spaces available and we have to prioritize health care first. This is due to a variety of limitations faced by child care operators that are beyond their control, such as staff shortages. Your understanding during this time is greatly appreciated.
Emergency child care services are reserved exclusively for the school-age children (ages 4-12) of eligible workers as indicated by the Province of Ontario. These children should have attended in-school learning prior to the school closure.
Eligible workers are those who are working in an approved occupation and place of employment during the time the schools are closed and have exhausted all other child care alternatives and are required to work on-site and therefore, do not have the option of working from home.
Eligibility
Are you and your partner (if applicable) the guardian of the child you are requesting care for? If you share custody, each parent will need to be deemed eligible and make separate applications for the appropriate time the child is in their care.
- Yes - please proceed to the next question.
- No - you are not eligible to apply for emergency child care. Only the legal guardian of the child can apply for care.
Are you and your partner (if applicable) required to work on-site and therefore not able to work remotely?
- Yes - please proceed to the next question.
- No - you are not eligible to apply for emergency child care. Only households that are not able to work from home can apply for care.
Do you live in Chatham-Kent?
- Yes - please proceed to the next question.
- No - you are not eligible to apply for emergency child care. Only residents of Chatham-Kent are eligible to apply for emergency child care and since space is limited we can only serve families within Chatham-Kent
Did your school-aged child attend in-person school prior to this closure?
- Yes - please proceed to the next question.
- No - you are not eligible to apply for emergency child care. Only school-age children that attended school in person can be eligible for care.
Does the current industry that you work in appear on the list of eligible workers as indicated by the Province of Ontario?
- Yes - please feel free to complete an application. Each child will need a separate application. You will be asked for which number your workplace industry is so please write it down (eg 11.ii.). You will also need to upload proof of occupation (e.g. name badge, certification, business card, etc.) for the deemed eligible parent so have that ready.
- No - you are not eligible to apply for emergency child care. Only industries that appear on the eligible list as provided by the Province of Ontario are eligible to apply for emergency child care.
Eligibility List
List of Eligible Workers
Emergency Child Care Locations
Apply for Emergency Child Care
Application for Emergency Child Care
- Check the eligibility list to see if you qualify for emergency child care services.
- Check the list of child care locations that are offering child care. You will need to indicate your top three choices that you wish to apply to. You may be offered a space at a different location if space is not available at your preferred location.
- Complete the application for emergency child care along with your proof of occupation (e.g. an image of an ID badge, business card, etc.).
- If deemed eligible, your application will be processed in the order in which they were received and by priority. Your application will be forwarded to a child care centre if space is available within two (2) business days. You or your employer may receive a phone call to help make the determination of your eligibility. If not approved, you will receive an email explaining why.
- The emergency child care provider will confirm whether they have a space for your child and will contact you within two (2) business days to complete the registration process.
