Children First For Bruce County

Children's Services plans and manages the local child care system, focusing on the integration of government initiatives, inter-agency coordination, and the development of new programs and services. The Division's responsibilities include planning and allocating funding for local services, providing leadership in the development and delivery of quality programs, and the direct operation of services including preschool resource program, early years program, a home child care program, and the fee subsidy program. The Division also provides an administrative function that oversees the policies, procedures and funding relationships with the Province and the child care community, including purchase of service agreements and the distribution of funding for wage subsidy, pay equity and grants.

What is Child Care Subsidy

Child Care Subsidy is a program that helps you pay for your child care costs in licensed child care programs in the community. You may be eligible for either a full or partial subsidy (where you pay a portion of the cost), based on your income, expenses and family size.

You can apply for child Care Subsidy if you are a single or two parent family, are the parent/legal guardian of a child age 0 - 12 and are a Canadian Citizen, landed immigrant, or refugee with a valid work permit.

Home Child Care

The Licensed Home Child Care Program provides daily care to not more than 5 children from infancy to 12 years in an approved (licensed) residence. Home visitors in each area help to assess and match appropriate caregivers and children to meet individual needs. Flexible hours and financial assistance is available upon assessment. Support services includes:

1. Selection of a provider to provide a safe, warm, stimulating environment for young children.
2. Regular visits to the providers home for ongoing supervision and support.
3. Arrangement of alternative care, if regular provider is unavailable.
4. Referrals to child health, and community support agencies.
5. Assistance and support to the provider in planning activities, healthy snacks and meals, and safe environment.
6. Provisions of age-appropriate toys and craft materials from toy lending libraries along with playpens, strollers and other necessary equipment.
7. Support to parent.

Home child care providers supply a nurturing environment in which children can safely play, create, grow and explore. The providers create stable surroundings in which daily plans and activities contribute to the development of the whole child.


For more information on licensed home child care, please contact the following:


Bruce County Social Services - (519) 881-0431

Purchase of Service Program

A licensed full day program that received more than 5 children under the age of 12 for a continuous period not exceeding 24 hours. Each facility provides a healthy atmosphere which offers security, warmth and guidance to your children. Daily activities are prepared to encourage imagination, foster independence and help your child develop social skills. A nutritional hot meal is prepared everyday for the children along with two snacks throughout the day. All facilities are inspected yearly by a staff from the Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services to ensure that licensed program are in compliance with regulations from the Day Nurseries Act. If you wish to utilize a centre or go for a visit, please call the closest one in your area

Within Bruce County there are a variety of Nursery School programs which provide children an opportunity to socialize with their peers in an licensed childcare setting for approximately 2 1/2 hours per day. The interaction of the children within this program will enhance their social, emotional, and physical development.

Some Nursery Schools may only be open for three half days, some for five days. As a Nursery School program is only for a short period of time each day, parents will sometimes assist the qualified teacher in a co-operative manner, such as providing snack, helping with crafts and overseeing playtime.

For more information please contact:

Bruce County Social Services - (519) 881-0431

Preschool Resource Program

The County provides Special Needs Resourcing services through their directly operated Preschool Resource Program. The intent of the program is to assist children with special needs to maximize their learning opportunities by providing individualized programs, supports, and services within an enriched child care environment.

Ontario Early Years Centres

The Ontario Early Years Centre - Bruce/Grey/Owen Sound-Walkerton and Kincardine sites are an accessible resource for parents with young children 0 - 6 years of age. The centres provide core early years services that help give children a healthy start in life. They also help parents link with organizations that provide other early years services such as child care services, health services and recreation programs.