Licensed day care centre to open next week in Rainy River

Ken Johnston
Editor

It has been a two year journey but finally licensed day care spaces will be a reality in Rainy River.
Dianne McCormack, board member for Rainy River Play school Inc. has worked on the project from its inception, which began when Rainy River District Social Services (RRDSSAB) identified a need for licensed day care in this end of the district.
Then in 2005 the province came forward with the Best Start program. Public meetings were held to craft what Best Start would look like in Rainy River and the final concept involved renovating part of Riverview Elementary School to house the new program. However, the renovations have yet to be started so a temporary home was sought and found at the Rainy River Covenant Church.
The tendering process for the work in Riverview School will be let this fall with work scheduled to be completed by spring of 2007. It will involve renovating two class rooms and adding on to the school.
Meanwhile registration for the 26 spots will take place this week and it is hoped that the doors will open next week. Of the 26 spots 16 will be Preschool (ages 30 mos. to 5 yrs.) and 10 will be Toddler (18 mos. to 30 mos.).
The Learn, Laugh and Play Children’s Centre (Best Start) will also accept part time day care needs (i.e. parents needing care one day here or there). But parents will need to fill out registration forms the same as full time applicants. “We can accept kids as long as spaces are not filled,” said LLPCC Supervisor Kathryn Unger.
The LLPCC will be open Mon-Fri. from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, those hours may change as needs are assessed in the early days of the program.
Unger has had strong interest in the centre already. “I have had seven families contact me at home.”
McCormack is confident that the numbers for the program will mushroom “As we actively begin to pursue enrollment.”
The program will be structured around providing day care that involves exactly what the name says. Kids will learn, laugh and play. “We will use themes to teach them and they will have free play times as well as being inside and outside for activities.” Kids will also receive snacks and lunch daily.”
While they will learn, the program is not academic in nature. “They will experience a variety of learning experiences that will bolster their ability to achieve when entering (regular) school,” said McCormack.
Everything is in place for the program to begin next week, but McCormack noted, “We are in building mode. Things will continue to improve as we get going over the next several weeks.”
Funding
Some members of the public have expressed concern about the fact that the new federal government has pulled the plug on the former government’s day care funds after year one. However, McCormack noted that they have treated the year one money as start up funds. After which the program will be self sustained by fees paid by parents.
Now those fees can be subsidized by RRDSSAB if the parents qualify. Applications for subsidized day care will be available at the time of registration. McCormack is encouraging all parents to apply for the assistance as it is done on a need basis, not just income.