Children’s Services

Working with individuals, municipalities, and agencies, Huron County Children’s Services makes sure that families and child care providers can find the early learning programs and child care support needed in our community. We are here to provide all children and their families easy access to:

  • Parent education
  • Early learning activities and resources
  • Connections to other community agencies or programs
  • Information on choosing a quality child care

In Huron County, there are different types of child care options to meet the needs of parents, families, and children. No one type of child care is right for everyone. You will find full and part-time child care in centers or approved homes available throughout the County. Making a decision about child care can be one of the most difficult decisions a parent can make. Are you only interested in child care centers or do you prefer an approved home child care setting? Is a licensed setting important to you? What are the differences? Does your child have special needs? Do you need financial help to cover your child care costs? Huron County Children’s Services has trained staff available to help parents and caregivers in making these decisions.

 

Child playing with toy a

CWELCC

Programs

Child Care

Become a Provider

Financial Assistance

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Resources

Huron & Perth Charter of Rights of Children and Youth

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.  Posters of the Huron Perth Charter can be downloaded and printed from the resources section at the bottom of this webpage.

In honour of children’s rights, Canada has proclaimed November 20th to be National Child Day.  The United Nations adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on November 20, 1989.

Canada pledged to guarantee that every child is treated with respect and dignity and has every chance to realize their full potential when it ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991.

This commitment includes:

  • Providing children opportunities to have a voice (speak out and be heard)
  • Protecting children from harm
  • Ensuring children’s basic needs are met.

The Huron and Perth Charter of rights supports and upholds the work of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Huron Perth Children's Charter

Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care (CWELCC) System in Huron County

Lower licensed child care fees for children under 6 years

The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system will support quality, accessibility, affordability and inclusivity in early learning licensed child care serving eligible children.

Key objectives include lowering child care fees for eligible children, improving wages and increasing access to quality child care programs.

CWELCC is a five-year plan that is based on equity and inclusion. All families, including those with a fee subsidy, will have access to CWELCC programs by 2025.

The County of Huron is proud to announce that all licensed child care centres and approved home child care locations are participating in the CWELCC system.  Families will see a reduction in daily child care fees in 2022, with a future reduction in January 2023.

Please contact your licensed child care program for further information on rates and rebates that you are now eligible for.

 

View the Child Care and Early Years Community Plan, which discusses the current services and challenges in Huron County.

Canada-Ontario Early Years and Child Care Agreement

For more information on the agreement, you can review the following link Canada-Ontario early years and child care agreement | ontario.ca

Programs

EarlyON Child and Family Centres and Programs

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.

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

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.)

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. A step-by-step guide is available in the resources section.  

The KEyON system works best in Google Chrome.  

If you prefer a printable calendar, visit the Resource Section.

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.

 

Clinton, Seaforth, Exeter and Surrounding Area

earlyon@huroncounty.ca

☏ 519-482-8505

Goderich, Bayfield and Surrounding Area earlyon@goderich.ca

☏ 519-524-9999

 

North Huron and Surrounding Area

winghamoeyc@northhuron.ca

☏ 519-482-8505 ext. 3516

 

Here are some other local mental health supports you can access:

Need help? Have questions?  Call 519-482-8505 or Email earlyon@huroncounty.ca

Special Needs Resourcing - The Growing Together Early Learning Resource Program

 

GT Watering Can

 

Growing Together, is a free program that  promotes the inclusion of children with special needs into licensed child-care and EarlyON settings. All Kids Belong 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  found in the resource section of this site, 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.

For a list of community agencies that support Healthy Child Development and  keeps Kids on Track click here.  

Licensed Child Care

Licensed Child Care

As a parent, 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 Educations 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 child care 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 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 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.

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.  

Need this information in a different language? Click here.  

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?
Licensed Child Care Centres
In Huron County there are different types of child care options to help meet the needs of families and children. Choosing the child care arrangement that best meets your needs and those of your child can be difficult, especially if it is your first child and they are still very young.

Child care centres provide care for children in a group setting; offering services for children aged six weeks right up to twelve years of age. The operating hours for centres vary, but most provide full-time care Monday to Friday during regular working hours. Some centres also offer part-time care as well as before and or after-school care.

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 Child Care Operators in Huron County

Town Provider Address Type of Child Care
Clinton Clinton Co-Operative
Childcare Centre
27 Percival St.
Clinton, ON
519.482.5777
Infant, toddler and Preschool
Before and After School Program At Clinton Public School and St. Joseph’s Clinton School age Summer Programs
Clinton Huron County Community Home Child Care RR 5
Clinton, ON
519.482.8505
Home child care in a variety of locations for a variety of ages, year round.
Exeter Exeter Elementary Early Learning Centre 93 Victoria St.

Exeter, ON

519.235.0710

Preschool Room

Before and After School

Summer School Age Program

Exeter Relouw Early Childhood
Learning Centre
80 Victoria St. E.
Exeter, ON
519.235.0710
Infant to School Age Child Care
Before and After School Program at Exeter Elementary and Precious Blood

Summer School Age Programs

Goderich Goderich Municipal Child Care Centre 376 Cambridge St.
Goderich, ON
519.524.7441
Infant to Preschool Child Care
Goderich Clinton Co-operative Childcare Centre 125 Blake St W,

Goderich, ON

519.440.7426

Before and After School Program at Goderich Public School

School Age Summer Program

Hensall Bluewater Coast Early Learning Centre 85 York St.

Hensall, ON

519-235-0710

Preschool Program

Before and After School Program

Summer School Age Program

Seaforth Seaforth Co-Operative Children’s Centre 82 Chalk St.
Seaforth, ON
519.527.0682
Infant to School Age Child Care
Before and After School Program at Seaforth Public and St. James Elementary School Age Summer Program
Vanastra Vanastra Early Childhood Learning Centre 26 Toronto Blvd.
Vanastra, ON
519.482.7634
Toddler to School Age Child Care
Before and After School Program
Walton Walton’s Little School RR 3
Walton, ON
519.887.8440
Toddler to School Age Child Care
Before and After School Program School Age Summer Program
Wingham North Huron Children’s Centre William St.
Wingham, ON
519.357.2424
Infant to Preschool Child Care

Preschool Program at Sacred Heart Elementary School
Before and After School Program at Sacred Heart and Maitland River

Zurich West Huron Early Childhood Learning Centre 37792 Zurich-Hensall Rd.
Zurich, ON
519.236.7071
Infant to School Age Child Care
Before and After School Program School Age Summer Program

 

 

Licensed Home Child Care

 

What is Huron County Community Home Child Care?

Huron County Community Home Child Care is a child care 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 annually licensed by the Ministry of Education. It is the County’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 child care space. The application process is easy to use and the information you provide will determine the child care 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.  For more information, visit our Fee Assistance section.

Contact us at 519-482-8505, childservices@huroncounty.ca and follow us on Facebook

Become an Early Childhood Educator or Child Care Provider

Become an Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Educators provide an important role in our Community. 
Early Childhood education sets the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour and health. Early Childhood Educators  are caring, reflective and resourceful professionals that provide opportunities and experiences that support early learning in inclusive settings.  As more families seek high-quality care for their children, there’s a growing demand for more early childhood education (ECE) professionals.
Early Childhood Educators focus on the whole child, including physical, social, emotional and cognitive development as well as their interaction with the world around them. Early Childhood Educators are compassionate, adaptable, innovative and knowledgeable in child and family relations.   Children who participate in high-quality learning environments experience increased verbal communication, reading, math, and science skills, as well as a host of other benefits. Uncover the facts about the many ways ECEs benefit children, their families, and the growth of our economy. Download our fact sheet.

Obtain your Early Childhood Education Diploma locally.

If shaping and nurturing the young minds of the future while enjoying a satisfying and in-demand career interest you, Fanshawe’s Early Childhood Education program, based out of Clinton ON, right in the heart of Huron County will give you the skills and the hands-on experience to get you on your way.  A recent interview on The Staysh provides a look into the unique relationship between Fanshawe College and the local child care community.

Fanshawe’s  unique early childhood education program blends theory and coursework with real experience in the field, so you’ll graduate with all of the skills necessary to begin your career.

Financial Assistance with your ECE qualifications. 
If you are currently working in the child care field and would like to upgrade your qualifications, funding may be available.  The objective of the Early Childhood Educators Qualifications Upgrade Program is to financially support individuals studying in the field, who work in Early Years settings, to obtain an ECE diploma and become eligible to apply for membership with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE).
Continuing Your Education
Early Childhood Educators in Huron have access to free online training and resources through the Community Learning Library. Sign up as a member and gain access to a range of topics relevant to early childhood development.
In person and virtual professional learning opportunities are offered through Huron County Children’s Services to support your ongoing learning needs and interests.
Becoming a Home Child Care Provider

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 will:

  • Be 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
  • Be 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 child care.

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

Starting A Licensed Child Care Program

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 child care 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 Child Care Licensing Manual.

Get additional information about child care programs in Ontario.

Financial Assistance

Subsidized Child Care in Huron County

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 childcare 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.

For more information, FAQ, and instructions on how to apply for childcare subsidy, please contact Huron County Children’s Services at 519.482.8505 or toll free at 1.888.371.5718, or email childservices@huroncounty.ca

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

Resources

  • pdf
    October 2024 EarlyON Program Guide
  • pdf
    September 2024 EarlyON Program Guide
  • pdf
    OneHSN Child Care Waitlist Parent Information Sheet
  • pdf
    2024 Huron County Community Home Child Care Parent Handbook
  • pdf
    KEyON User Guide
  • pdf
    Diversity and Inclusion Resource Guide for Families in Huron County.
  • pdf
    Special Needs Resource Program - Growing Together Referral Form
  • pdf
    Child Care & Early Years Community Plan with 2023 CWELCC ADDENDUM
  • pdf
    Home Child Care Provider Application Form
  • pdf
    Child Care Checklist
  • pdf
    Home Child Care Fact Sheet - How Many Children are Allowed?
  • pdf
    Download and Print -Charter Of Rights-11x17-POSTER
  • pdf
    Download and Print - Charter of Rights - 8x14 Poster

Contact Information

Should you have any questions or concerns relating to any aspect of Children’s Services within Huron County, please contact us.

Huron County Children’s Services
Jacob Memorial Building
77722D London Road, RR 5
Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0

Phone: 519.482.8505
Toll-Free: 1.888.371.5718
Fax: 519.482.5710

Email: childservices@huroncounty.ca

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM