December 1, 2021

Dear Child Care United Families,

We would like to begin by thanking everyone for their ongoing patience and support throughout 2021 as we continue to navigate through the pandemic and the daily operations. We are very thankful for our families and the trust you have in Child Care United. As the year is nearing a close and we are preparing for the 2022 year, we have finalized our childcare budget. To ensure we are able to provide the best ongoing care for your child(ren) and to do so in an adequate manner we will be increasing our fees effective January 3, 2022.

Child Care United is a not-for-profit organization that relies on our parent fees to continue successful operations. We have completed an extensive review of our operations, as well as the daycare fees within the surrounding area and services we offer. We are very proud to continue to provide our families with the wonderful programming and caring staff you have all come to know and love. Since we reopened in August 2020, we have been continuing to adapt our programs to ensure the high-quality service our families deserve while adhering to all COVID-19 protocols, precautions and ministry guidelines which have had a great impact on our overall operations. We have worked diligently to minimize the operational costs wherever possible to offset the increase in costs associated with the additional staffing and cleaning procedures, while keeping in mind the health and safety of all our families and staff. In order to maintain our high level of service and remain sustainable, it is necessary for Child Care United to increase our fees.

Child Care United has had minimal fee increases over the past decade, however due to the recent announcement surrounding the increase of the minimum wage, the ongoing increase of centre expenses and the general inflation, our operations have been greatly impacted. It is our goal to continue to provide the quality care and programing we have all come to know and love, as well as maintain our essential and valued staff. In order to ensure we are able to continue to provide a great childcare experience for our families, we are required to increase our care rates.

We recognize that childcare fees can be stressful and a challenge for families, which is why Child Care United will continue to apply for as much funding as possible available through the County of Leeds and Grenville as well as the government. Unfortunately, there has been minimal financial support to childcare centres since August 2021, causing the financial pressures associated with the pandemic to fall solely on the organization. We are hopeful the guidance surrounding our requirements will begin to subside or additional support will again become available within the new year to assist our operations.

With these increases in mind, we would like to note that Child Care United does not restrict the number of families using subsidized care. We encourage families to speak with management or the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Children’s Services Department (https://www.leedsgrenville.com/en/services/child-care-fee-subsidy.aspx or 613-342-3840). 

Child Care United is also participating in an Infant Affordability Program initiative provided through the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, in efforts to support affordability for infant care within the childcare system. This initiative will be taking effect for non-subsidized families accessing infant care, which allows families to access the care while paying the toddler rate. This program has been continued into the 2022 calendar year.

Child Care United will continue to pass through any funding possible onto our families as they become available.

The new fees taking effect on January 3^rd, 2022, are outlined in the table below:

* Eligible for Infant Affordability Program

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out the Site Supervisor or Executive Director at anytime.

Sincerely on Behalf of Child Care United Board of Directors,

Kylie Currie, RECE

Executive Director

Child Care United of Leeds and Grenville