More child care coming to Mount Forest this fall
WELLINGTON NORTH – The number of child care spots at the Mount Forest Child Care and Learning Centre is set to double this fall.
The centre is moving from the back to the front of the Wellington North Community Services building at 311 Foster St., enabling it to grow from 32 spaces to 63.
Wellington County officials say the expansion, which is set to cost about $195,000, is cost-effective as it requires minimal capital investment and renovations, making use of an “under-utilized” community room in the county-owned building.
The project includes installing a secure entry door and a new handwashing sink as well as moving fencing around the infant outdoor play area, and purchasing play-based materials and essential supplies.
The cost will be covered by provincial funding and the county’s child care development reserve.
The centre currently has six infant spaces (for those up to 18 months old), 10 toddler spaces (18 to 30 months) and 16 preschool spaces (30 to 48 months). Post-expansion, there will be room for nine infants, 15 toddlers, 24 preschoolers and 15 more children in a room for both toddlers and preschoolers.
The centre is one of four day cares run by the County of Wellington – the other three are in Palmerston, Fergus and Guelph.
According to a November Wellington County social services committee meeting report, Wellington North has the lowest rate of access to licensed child care in Wellington County, with a shortfall of 166 spaces.
That report predicted the spaces would open by Aug. 1, but Mayor Andy Lennox told Wellington North council on March 23 the spots are set to become available in the fall.
To apply for a spot at the centre click here.
The expansion will bring the childcare shortfall in Wellington North to 134.
Lennox encouraged people to reach out if they have suggestions for locations for further child care expansions to meet ongoing need.
"We need a location and somebody to help operate it,” he said.
