Early Years and Child Care Service System Plan

The Early Years and Child Care Service System Plan (2025-2030) is a long-term plan that helps guide spending and improvements in early years and child care programs.

This plan helps us focus on what matters most so we can give Niagara's children and families the best support possible.

It was created under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and approved by Regional Council in spring 2025. The plan supports Niagara Region's current goals and:

  • Shows our promise to build a thriving community by growing better, together
  • Highlights our goal to create a connected, welcoming, and successful Niagara

Pillars, goals and objectives of the plan

To build the plan, we conducted in-depth research and extensive engagement. There are five pillars of the Early Years and Child Care Service System Plan.

  • Customer-centered

    Goal: Families and children in Niagara are aware of the programs and services offered

    Objectives

    • Families are aware of where and how to access information about the programs and services offered for children in Niagara
    • Families and children have opportunities to provide feedback to inform programs and services
  • High-quality

    Goal: Early years and child care sector is supported in providing programs and services that are high quality, supporting healthy child development

    Objectives

    • The early years and child care sector has clear expectations and a shared definition of high-quality programs and services
    • Niagara Region is committed to supporting early years and child care service providers with timely access to the information they need to help them make informed decisions that reflect local community need
    • Niagara Region supports the early years and child care sector in attracting and retaining qualified educators and child care workers
  • Accessible and responsive

    Goal: Programs and services are responsive to the needs of families and children in Niagara and ensure all can access programming where they feel welcome, included and supported

    Objectives

    • Programs and services are delivered where, when and how families need them
    • Programs and services are delivered with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion to reflect the needs of the changing landscape in Niagara
  • Affordable and growth focused

    Goal: The system programs are affordable for families and can meet economic growth and demand to support parents' and caregivers' workforce participation.

    Objectives

    • Improve access to subsidized early years and child care programming
    • Facilitate the continued expansion of child care in Niagara, in line with the goals and objectives of Canada-wide early learning and child care
    • Build collaborative relationships with local municipalities, local businesses and public sector organizations to encourage the addition of child care spaces as a driver for employee retention to support Niagara's economic prosperity
  • Community driven

    Goal: Niagara Region leverages our relationships with community partners to work towards integrated service delivery

    Objectives

    • Continue to collaborate with internal and external partners who serve children and families
    • Continue to strengthen relationship with Indigenous and Francophone partners

Download the Early Years and Child Care Service System Plan.

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