Emergency Child Care

The Ontario Government has ordered that all schools will move to remote learning until further notice. 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.

Beginning April 19, 2021, emergency child care may be available at no cost to eligible workers.  It is important to note that not every school will have emergency care. This is due to a variety of limitations faced by child care operators that are beyond their control (e.g. staffing). 

Eligibility

Eligibility List

Eligibility for licensed emergency care will be based on the following:

• Your occupation must be listed on the eligible worker's list as determined by the Province of Ontario.
• Your school-age child(ren) attended school prior to the school closure period.

• The Child Care Provider you enrol with is a currently licensed child care with a Purchase of Service Agreement with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

• You are not able to work from home.

Applicants for Emergency Child Care must also be aware that:

• Emergency Child Care will be provided only for the time required for work and travel to and from work.
• Space at a child care centre is on a first-come, first-serve basis, with preference to current child care children.

Apply for Emergency Child Care

Application for Emergency Child Care List of Emergency Child Care Providers

1. Check the eligibility list to see if you qualify for emergency child care services.
2. Complete the application for emergency child care and email it to ckchildcare@chatham-kent.ca along with your proof of occupation (e.g. an image of an ID badge, business card, etc.)
3. If deemed eligible, your application will be sent to the child care that is serving your child's school population 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.
4. The emergency child care provider will confirm whether they have a space for your child and will contact you within two (2) business days.

As per the direction from our local Medical Officer of Health, Child Care Providers are only allowed to serve children of one school population per room (two (2) school populations under special circumstances). If your school population is not listed please submit your application and we will try to work with our providers to see if we can accommodate you.

If you have questions or concerns regarding Emergency Child Care, email ckchildcare@chatham-kent.ca or call 1-866-720-7975.