Ontario expands free child care for front-line workers

Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce has announced an expansion of eligibility to free child care for more front-line workers.

According to the province, the expansion will help workers who are unable to support their children’s at-home learning.

Lecce also says the expansion is in response to the extension of online learning until Jan. 25 due to rising COVID-19 cases.

“We recognize as this elementary school closure is extended that more people, more front-line workers will need support,” Lecce said.

“That’s why today we’re announcing an extension of the emergency and free child care we’re providing to our front-line workers.”

The expansion is capable of benefiting roughly 20,000 children.

Here are the new additions to those eligible for emergency child care: 

• Front-line staff in Children’s Aid Societies and residential services

• Individuals working in developmental services, violence against women services, and anti-
human trafficking

• Individuals working in victims’ services

• Individuals engaged in interpreting or intervenor services for persons who are deaf or deaf-
blind

• Individuals working in a homeless shelter or providing services to homeless persons

• Food safety inspectors and individuals working in the processing, manufacturing or
distribution of food and beverages

• Provincial court services personnel, including Indigenous court workers

• OPS staff employed in Radiation Protection Services

• RCMP and Canada Border Services

• Canada Post

• Pharma and medical device manufacturing and distribution

• Power workers

• Non-municipal water and wastewater workers

• Education staff who are required to attend schools to provide in-person instruction and
support to students with special education needs who cannot be accommodated through
remote learning

• Employees of a hotel or motel that is acting as an isolation centre, health care centre,
vaccine clinic or housing essential workers.

Starting Monday, children ages 12 to grade 12 will also be eligible for $200 through an online application.

Lecce said it would take roughly two weeks to receive the funding.

“We continue to work with the Chief Medical of Health in the coming period of time to ensure that kids can return to school when it is safe,” said Lecce.