Renewed Strategy for Early Learning and Child Care Service System released

Five-year (2025-2029) year strategy outlines plan for high-quality programming including over 4,900 new affordable licensed child care spaces between 2022 – 2026

Midhurst/July 22, 2025 – The County of Simcoe is releasing a revitalized strategy that will deliver over 4,900 new affordable licensed child care spaces between 2022 – 2026, including a strengthened workforce, and the promotion of equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive programming in early learning services. This follows County Council’s approval of the 2025-2029 Early Learning and Child Care Service System Plan on June 24^th.

“The County’s Early Learning and Child Care Service System Plan will enrich the diverse landscape of all early learning services. By creating an additional 2,450 affordable spaces by December 2026, we will nearly double the number of spaces that Simcoe County has created since 2022.” said Warden Basil Clarke. “This is wonderful news for families across our region. These spaces will open doors to brighter futures for thousands of children and their families, helping build a thriving, connected Simcoe County for generations to come.”

The plan outlines a vision that ensures inclusive, accessible, high-quality, and affordable early learning and child care. It was developed through extensive community consultation that has been backed up by comprehensive data analysis.

The 2025-2029 Early Learning and Child Care Service System Plan outlines three key strategic priorities:

1. Inclusive and Accessible Early Learning and Child Care Experiences

• Improving access to information and services
• Supporting culturally safe and inclusive programming

2. Thriving and Sustainable Early Learning and Child Care Workforce

• Expanding mentorship opportunities and professional development
• Strengthening recruitment and retention strategies

3. Cohesive Community Planning

• Leading collaborative planning with community partners
• Engaging diverse voices, including parents and equity-deserving groups

The plan aims to increase positive early learning experiences and child development and invests for the future while supporting economic growth and social cohesion. To learn more or to download the County’s 2025-2029 Early Learning and Child Care Service System Plan, visit simcoe.ca/childcare.

Since 2022, the County has approved over 2,500 affordable spaces and intends to develop 2,450 more by December 31, 2026.

Children Services Dashboard available on open.simcoe.ca

To enhance accessibility and transparency, a Children Services Dashboard was created on the County’s open data portal, found at open.simcoe.ca. The Children Services Dashboard provides insights into the region’s early years and child care system. It allows residents and community partners to access data on licensed child care, EarlyON Child & Family Centres, CWELCC directed growth approvals to date, and the Early Development Instrument (EDI). The dashboard offers valuable perspective on both the growth and demand for early years and child care services throughout Simcoe County.

About the County of Simcoe

County of Simcoe is composed of 16 member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.