The Huron & Perth Charter of Rights of Children and Youth emerged from the voices of children and youth from across Huron County and Perth County, as they considered what rights are important to children and youth in their communities, and what responsibilities are naturally paired with those rights. As the children and youth shared their voices, engaged in discussions, created artwork, and expressed themselves through their words and actions, adults and caregivers observed carefully and documented their voices.

About EarlyON

EarlyON Child and Family Centres and programs are a place where parents and caregivers of children (from birth to six years of age) can:

• Participate with their children in a range of age-appropriate programs and activities;
• Discover answers to questions on child development;
• Find information about programs and services that are available for young children and families in their area;
• Talk to EarlyON Professionals, as well as other parents and caregivers in their community.

Qualified early years professionals can help families and caregivers find support, get advice, make personal connections and access a network of resources.  If you are a parent or caregiver,  join us in a safe learning environment where we can share play-based activities, story and music time, and information that supports families in their own communities.

EarlyON programs offer indoor and outdoor in many locations through out the county,  as well as virtual programming, telephone and email support.

Find a Location Near You

Huron County currently has over 25 programs per week.  Find a location near you.

EarlyON Programs

In addition to our programs being welcoming, fun, and interactive, they teach parents new activities to do at home to enhance their child’s development.

Join us  for programs such as:

• Baby time
• Parent-child Mother Goose
• Songs & stories
• Parent chats
• Links to other agencies that support early intervention.
• Parent/Caregiver sessions: (toilet learning, Circle of Security Parenting, guest speakers, and so much more.)

About KEyON

Huron EarlyON uses the online registration system  KEyON a digital sign-in system that provides parents with a quick and simple way to sign in at EarlyON Centres in Huron County and across Ontario.  You can preregister for indoor, outdoor and virtual programs in a few easy steps by selecting Huron from the region drop down section. For step-by-step instructions download the KEyON Users Guide For Parents.

The KEyON system works best in Google Chrome.

Follow Us

Like & Follow us on the Huron EarlyON Facebook or Huron EarlyON Instagram pages for daily songs and activity ideas, creative fun, parent information, community resources, and our most current program information. Ask your EarlyON Facilitator about our YouTube Channel.

Your family’s well-being is important to us. It’s OK to ask for help!  We are here to talk outside of program times.  Have child-related or parenting questions? Connect with us either by geographical area or by contacting a facilitator directly.  Huron County Public Library has many child and adult books for borrow on the topic of mental health and well being.

Growing Together, is a free program that  promotes the inclusion of children with special needs into licensed child-care and EarlyON settings. Growing Together provides support to  parent and children reach their  full potential and  supports educators enhancing their  knowledge and skills in working with families and children with special needs

Under Ontario Regulation 138/15, a “child with special needs” means a child whose cognitive, physical, social, emotional, or communicative needs, or whose needs relating to overall development, are of such a nature that additional supports are required for the child.

Growing Together

• Helps children at an early age of development
• Offers free family-centred services through Early Learning Resource Consultants
• Has resources that may identify possible delays in child development
• Creates individualized plans with parents and guardians for early learning needs
• Assists families in coordinating services with other professionals
• Supports families and educators in licensed child care settings and EarlyON programs
• Promotes inclusive environments for all children in early learning and school settings
• Supports children transitioning to school or other community programs
• Helps in before and after school programs or recreational summer programs
• And more

Join Growing Together

This program is free.  To be eligible, children must:

• Be 0–12 years in age
• Live in Huron County
• Have special needs or developmental needs
• Be enrolled or enrolling in licensed child care settings or school-age programs or attend an EarlyON child and family program.

For this program, special needs is defined as cognitive, physical, social, emotional, or communicative needs, or where more supports are needed for healthy child development.

To refer, download and complete a Referral Form or call 519.482.8505.

Email completed forms to to childservices@huroncounty.ca or faxed to 519.482.5710.

Information collected remains confidential and is not shared without parental or guardian consent. This program is provincially legislated and administered by the County of Huron.

Visit Huron Perth Public Health for a list of community agencies that support Healthy Child Development and keeps Kids on Track.

As a parent or caregiver, you want to be confident that your child gets the best possible start in life in a healthy, safe and happy environment. You also want child care and EarlyON programs that meet your child’s needs as he or she grows and learns. The County of Huron supports the Ministry of Education’s vision that:

• Every child has a sense of belonging when he or she is connected to others and contributes to their world.
• Every child is developing a sense of self, health, and well-being.
• Every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with body, mind, and senses.
• Every child is a capable communicator who expresses himself or herself in many ways.

Register with OneHSN

OneHSN is designed to help you learn about the licensed child care services available in our community and apply for a child care space. The application process is easy to use and the information you provide will determine the childcare options available to you. You can apply your child(ren)’s name to as many Centres as you choose & the Childcare Centre will contact you when a space becomes available.  Use our Parent Guide to help you apply to OneHSN.

Apply with OneHSN

Child Care Options

1. Licensed centre-based child care

Licensed child care centres care for infants, toddlers, pre-school, and school-aged children. They include nursery schools, full-day care and before-and after-school programs. Ministry of Education staff inspects child care centres at least once a year to make sure the programs meet specific provincial standards for the health, safety and meeting the developmental needs of the children.

2. Licensed home-based child care agencies

Home child care agencies are licensed by the Ministry of Education and meet provincial standards. These agencies then contract caring and knowledgeable providers who offer child care for children 0 – 12 years in their own homes.

3. Unlicensed child care

Unlicensed child care is a private arrangement made between the parents and a caregiver who is not contracted with a licensed home child care agency. It is often an independent provider who operates a business in their home. Unlicensed child care providers are not inspected by the government unless there has been a complaint. They are required to identify themselves as unlicensed in writing to parents. Unlicensed child care providers can care for:

• a maximum of five children including their own children under the age of six; and
• a maximum of two children under the age of two

Choosing child care checklist

The early years in a child’s life are viewed as the beginning stages of lifelong learning. A child’s earliest experiences and interaction with adults and other children play a key role in a child’s development.

Caring, competent caregivers play an important role in promoting the social, physical, emotional and cognitive development of children.  Click here for a printable checklist.  

When choosing a child care provider, consider the following:

Does the early childhood educator or home provider:

• foster caring relationships to create a sense of belonging between children, adults, and the community through positive and consistent interactions?
• Show flexibility in meeting the different needs of all the children and their families?
• nurture children’s healthy development?
• Listen to children, and respond with interest and respect?
• encourage choice, independence and relationship building and problem-solving?
• have a current First Aid/CPR certificate and experience as an early childhood care provider?

Does the program:

• offer a variety of activities to meet the needs of all children, including cultural needs?
• provide a flexible schedule with a mix of indoor and outdoor time and a rest period?
• offer nutritious meals and snacks, that accommodate all cultural and health needs?
• accommodate for the health or special needs of the children?
• encourage children to take part in age-appropriate life skills such as washing hands, dressing routines?
• foster social and emotional well-being in children and support communication and expression in all forms?
• provide clear expectations about administrative matters such as hours of operation, sick and medication policies, payment schedule?

Does the physical environment offer:

• experiences for children to be active, creative, and engage in meaningful exploration, play, and inquiry?
• a designated space for the child’s belongings?
• a soft and cozy space as well as areas that invite active and messy play?
• both indoor and outdoor environments that are clean, accessible and safe
• an indoor play space comfortable, bright and warm?
• precautions and safety measures for any pets?
• an area for children’s work to be displayed?

All child care centres are licensed under the Child Care and Early Years Act and inspected annually. Centres are licensed for the maximum number of children who are grouped together by age. There are also maximum group size and staff to child ratios that vary according to the age of the children. Every group of children must include at least one Registered Early Childhood Educator.

The following centre-based child care options are available:

Child Care Centres

Licensed child care centres care for infants, toddlers, preschool and school-aged children.  They include nursery schools, full-day care and before-and-after-school programs.  Ministry of Education staff inspects child care centres at least once a year to ensure the programs meet specific provincial standards for the health, safety and developmental needs of the children.

Nursery Schools

Nursery Schools are licensed programs under the Child Care and Early Years Act. They provide part-time care for pre-school children between 2 1/2 and 6 years of age. Some are cooperative nursery schools, where parents are very involved in the planning and operation of the program.

Before and After School Programs

School Age Programs are geared for children aged 4-12 years, and are designed to provide opportunities to engage in age-appropriate activities in a safe and caring environment. Children in these programs participate in healthy eating, physical and social activities designed to support healthy child development.  For more information on Before and After School Programs, visit the Ministry of Education Website.  

Licensed Childcare Operators in Huron County

 C What is Home-based Child Care?

Home-based Child Care is a childcare setting that provides a safe, friendly, nurturing environment for your child, and fits your schedule, which can sometimes be difficult. Huron County Community Home Child Care is a home child care agency that is municipally operated by The County of Huron and licensed by the Ministry of Education. Huron County Community Home Child Care aims to offer quality, convenient, affordable, and flexible child care in communities across Huron County.

Why choose Huron County Community Home Child Care?

• Child care is proved for children 0-12 years in a welcoming, caring, and safe home environment
• Flexible hours including full and part-time schedules, before-and-after school, days, evenings, overnights and weekends
• Small group sizes
• Affordable costs and fee subsidy is available
• For more information please read Huron County Community Home Child Care, Parent/Guardian Handbook.

Who regulates these homes?

Huron County Community Home Child Care is licensed annually by the Ministry of Education. It is the County of Huron’s responsibility to ensure that all homes meet government legislation. This includes qualified staff from the County of Huron to effectively screen providers using criminal references checks, vulnerable sector screens, and Children’s Aid Society background checks.

To ensure all legislation is followed, qualified staff from the County of Huron will visit all homes at least monthly with regular and unscheduled visits. Staff conduct quarterly home safety inspections and provide support for both parents and providers.

How do I register my child with Huron County Community Home Child Care?

Visit www.onehsn.com/huron to place your child(ren) on the waitlist for Huron County Community Home Child Care.

OneHSN is designed to help you learn about the licensed child care services available in our community and apply for a childcare space. The application process is easy to use and the information you provide will determine the childcare options available to you. You can apply your child(ren)’s name to as many Centres as you choose & the Child care Centre will contact you when a space becomes available.  Use the OneHSN Parent Guide to help you set up your account.

Child care Fee subsidy is available for those that qualify.

Families living in the County of Huron may qualify to have the full or partial amount of their child care costs paid by the County of Huron if funding permits. This can be arranged when child care is provided at a licensed childcare centre or an approved home provider.

Generally, child care costs are the responsibility of parents or legal guardian. Child care subsidies are available to families living in Huron County that meet certain employment and financial qualifications. Eligibility is determined by guidelines set by the Ministry of Education – Early Learning Division.

Parent(s) or legal guardian can apply when:

• The child is under 12 years old in a licensed child care program or approved home child care.
• A school age child is enrolled in an approved recreation program.

To qualify, parents or guardians must be participating in one of the following approved activities:

• Employed and working full or part time.
• Educational or training program.
• Employment assistance activity as approved under the Ontario Works program.
• Parent of a special needs child (medical, delays in development, social and emotional concerns) referred by a professional working with the family.

Financial eligibility for child care fee subsidy is based on family net income. Applicants must have filed last year’s income tax return and can verify family net income with a current Notice of Assessment (NOA) or Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) Notice from the Canada Revenue Agency

Child Care Fee Subsidy Applications are now available on-line for Huron County residence accessing licensed child care.  To create an account or sign in, please click on the following link.

*You may be subject to a fee subsidy wait list.

Early Childhood Educators provide an important role in our Community.

The County of Huron is seeking individuals who are passionate about offering quality child care in a safe and nurturing home environment.

Home Child Care Providers:

• Are able to build positive and trustworthy relationships with children and families
• Follow Canada’s Food Guide to provide healthy meals and snacks daily
• Read, understand, and follow the Ministry of Education and County of Huron policies
• Follow How Does Learning Happen? from Ontario’s Pedagogy for Early Years
• Provide criminal reference checks and Children’s Aid Society background checks
• Are willing to participate in professional learning opportunities

Benefits for Approved Home Child Care Providers:

• Referral of families
• Professional learning opportunities
• Guaranteed payment at competitive rates
• Ongoing support regarding children and families
• Assistance in setting up a private home business
• Opportunities to network with other Providers
• Early Intervention Resources are available for consultation and service

Interested in Becoming a Home Child Care Provider? 

Interested applicants can download then fill out a provider application form and email to childservices@huroncounty.ca or by contact us at 519-482-8505.

Want to more know before applying?  View this quick introductory video for information before starting a home childcare.

For more information on home childcare, refer to the Ministry of Education Fact Sheet which discussed maximum number of children according to the Childcare and Early Years Act, 2014.

If you care for more than 5 children under the age of 13 years who have different parents, you must be licensed as a child care provider under the Child Care and Early Years Act. This applies to both centre and home based child care providers.

Learn how to get a child care license in Ontario, including how to apply, information on fees and required approvals. Start a licensed childcare program.  In order to open a child care centre, you will need to be in compliance with all required legislation as outlined in the Ontario Childcare Licensing Manual.

Get additional information about child care programs in Ontario.

Financial Assistance with your ECE qualifications. 

Continuing Your Education

• Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team: If you or someone you know needs mental health and/or addiction support, contact the 24-hour helpline at 1-888-829-7484.
• 211 (visit the website or just dial 211) is a free helpline that connects you to community and social services in your area 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in over 150 languages.
• The Huron-Perth Centre for Children and Youth is an accredited community-based children’s mental health centre.
• Children’s Mental Health Ontario
• Kids Help Phone

This document provides an overview of Huron County’s Service System Plan for child care and early years services. It outlines the current landscape of these services, captures key community feedback and insights, and presents strategic priorities and initiatives designed to enhance accessibility, quality, and inclusivity.

• Five Year Plan for Child Care and Early Years in Huron County | Service System Plan

As announced in December 2022, beginning in 2023, the Ministry of Education has shifted child care expansion from open enrolment to a directed growth plan to create new child care spaces. A directed growth approach will ensure funding is available to support new spaces in communities most in need of access to high-quality, affordable child care.
As the service system manager, the County of Huron has developed a five-year directed growth plan that aligns with provincial directives and space targets while meeting the needs of communities across the region, particularly in underserved, remote and rural communities.

• Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care System Directed Growth Plan