The Kenora District Services Board now operates five more childcare centres in Kenora and staff are hoping to create additional spaces for the community.
As of October 1, the KDSB assumed control and the direct delivery of FIREFLY’s childcare programs in Kenora, after FIREFLY identified they would no longer be able to sustain the services.
“The decision to transfer operation of our child care services to the KDSB was difficult, but necessary, and made with the best interests of our families, children, and program employees in mind,” says Karen Ingebrigtson, Chief Executive Officer of FIREFLY.
“We know that the KDSB has a wealth of expertise in the field and will continue to provide exceptional service that families have come to rely on. This transfer will allow FIREFLY to focus on providing our core regional services.”
These spaces include:
- Keewatin Public School – Family Age Group and Kid’s After School,
- Evergreen School – Toddler, Preschool and After School,
- St. Louis School – Kid’s After School,
- King George School – Preschool and Kid’s Before and After School,
- Valleyview School – Kid’s Before and After School,
The KDSB says FIREFLY approached them to assume responsibility for the delivery of childcare programming in Kenora, recognizing that the KDSB would be able to enhance service levels and create additional childcare spaces in the community.
“The KDSB is committed to ensuring high-quality, accessible, and affordable child care programming and services in the community of Kenora, and are working towards increasing child care spaces within these programs,” says Henry Wall, Chief Administrative Officer of the KDSB.
“We are pleased that the five centres will operate under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System. We look forward to welcoming all of the child care staff and families utilizing the Child Care programming to the KDSB.”
The board says the change won’t have any effect on children and families currently utilizing their programs and services, and all staff members received offers of employment through the transfer.