Child Care

We're ready for you
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination: As of September 22, 2021, the Province of Ontario requires that all individuals* entering a gym facility, present proof of being fully vaccinated at every visit. Fully vaccinated is defined as 14 days after second dose. Proof of vaccination must be presented with government-issued ID. Children under 12 years of age are exempt.
We have been so happy to welcome back our YMCA Child Care families. Our first priority is to ensure the safety of YMCA families and staff. Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about returning to child care. 
Watch a brief video about the changes you can expect.

 
Will there be less children in my child's classroom?

We are happy to share that, effective September 1, 2020, all licensed child care centres and before and after school programs will be permitted to operate at full capacity. As a provider of licensed child care centres, we will continue to maintain ratios and group sizes as set out under the Child Care Early Years Act, 2014 ((CCEYA). The enhanced health and safety procedures that were put in place as part of our re-opening plan, will remain in place to protect children, staff and families. 

Are health screenings be required of all children on a daily basis before attending child care?

Daily health screenings are required for both children and educators before entering our child care centres. We've made daily screening of all chilren as convenient as possible for families through a special enhancement to the WeemarkableTM app that allows parents and caregivers to complete your child's daily health screening through your mobile device prior to arriving at the centre.

Watch the video to learn how to complete the Daily Health Screening.

I'm not quite ready to send my child back to child care but still require my child's space. May I hold my space for now?

Due to demand for child care spaces, we are unable to hold spaces at this time. 

How will my child's experience and the physical environment be altered as a result of the new guidelines?

We will continue to provide the welcoming and caring environment that you and your family have come to expect in a YMCA Child Care setting. Changes to the classroom will include setting up equipment to support limited contact between children and physical distancing of two metres between two groups / or cohorts of children. Activities will be spread out throughout the classroom. Additional outdoor time will be encouraged as well. At mealtime, children will be spaced apart and be served plated meals rather than self-serve.

 

How will the YMCA maintain a clean and sanitary environment?

Health and safety are always a priority at the YMCA and we have enhanced our cleaning and disinfecting of the centre throughout the day. Toys that cannot be easily sanitized (e.g. plush toys) have been removed from the centre. Toys and equipment are cleaned and disinfected between use. Frequently touched surfaces are cleaned and disinfected at least twice a day.
 

Are staff required to wear protective equipment?

As of September 1, 2020, licensees are expected to ensure that child care staff and home child care providers wear face coverings at all times while they are working and that ministry guidelines are followed on the use of masks and face coverings for school age children who are at a child care premises.