The Kenora District Services Board is taking over child care services in Sioux Lookout.
An agreement has been reached to have the KDSB assume responsibility for the two municipally-run Child Care centres effective January 1.
Sioux Lookout is the last in the region to transfer services to the services board.
Municipal officials have been in talks with the union representing the child care employees, and is hopeful for a smooth transition.
Chief Administrative Officer Michelle Larose says they worked very hard to ensure the best possible arrangement for their staff.
Larose adds the arrangement ensures the best protection and support for employees with no disruption to services.
“We did not want to take the ‘wash our hands of child care services’ approach and just layoff those staff members with no measures in place to fill the void that would be created if the Municipality simply decided not to offer the service any more.”
Larose notes “Parents of children currently attending Biidaaban and Sioux Mountain Children’s Centres will be kept informed of the transition and any implications on their child’s enrollment in the child care programs.”
KDSB Chief Administrative Officer Henry Wall says the agreement ensures programming will remain affordable, accessible, and sustainable into the future.
Wall believes the arrangement will help them focus on enhancing programs in order to offer more child care spaces in the community.
