Help Shape Waterloo Region's Child Care Plan for 2021-2025

Official title: Waterloo Region's Child Care and Early Learning Service System Plan

Closed Community Planning Education Housing & Communities
Waterloo Region is developing a four-year roadmap for child care and early learning services. They want input from parents, child care providers, and community members to make the system more accessible, affordable, and inclusive.

Why This Matters

Looking for child care in Waterloo Region? This plan will shape what's available and how much it costs for the next four years. Parents struggling to find spots or afford care should weigh in. Child care workers and operators can help identify what's working and what's not.

What Could Change

The Region could prioritize new child care spaces in underserved areas. Funding decisions for subsidies and provider support will be guided by this plan. Policies on inclusion for children with special needs may be strengthened.

Key Issues

  • How can child care become more accessible across Waterloo Region?
  • What are the biggest affordability challenges for families?
  • How can the system better support children with diverse needs?

How to Participate

  1. Review the previous service plan (2016-2020) and progress update to understand current priorities.
  2. Visit the consultation page to share your feedback on child care needs in your community.

What Happened

The consultation resulted in the Early Years Child Care Service System Plan 2022-2026, which is now available. The plan was presented to Regional Council in June 2021.