The Durham District School Board (DDSB) supports the provision of quality child care services in its schools through qualified, licensed child care operators where space is available and the need for service has been identified through community/regional planning processes.
Durham District School Board Child Care Policy
The Durham District School Board's policy (#1500) illustrates the Board's commitment to building strong partnerships with child care centres to support schools, students, families, and communities. Research has shown that the early years – from conception to age six – are the most significant and influential years in terms of brain development, learning, behaviour, and health. High-quality licensed child care that supports the development of cognitive and social skills can enhance school readiness and help children achieve later school success.
Overview of Programs
| Early Years Hubs |
| Free programs for children between the ages of 0 - 6 and their parents/caregivers. The programs focus on healthy childhood growth, development, and early literacy. |
| Before & After School Child Care Programs |
| The DDSB and community agencies/partners offer a range of before and after school programs for children between the ages of 4 - 12. |
| After School Recreation Programs |
| The DDSB and community agencies/partners offer affordable after school recreation programs for children between the ages of 6 – 12. These programs are offered within a fun, safe, interesting, and engaging environment. |
| Child Care Centres In Schools |
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Qualified, licensed Child Care Operators provide child care for children between the ages of 0 - 4. Available programs by age vary per site.
- Infants: 0 to 18 months
- Toddlers: 18 months to 2 ½ years old
- Preschool: 2 ½ to 4 years old
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| Nursery/Preschool Programs |
| The DDSB and community agencies/partners offer nursery school programs in schools for children between the ages of 2 - 4. Early Childhood Educators deliver developmentally appropriate activities for two or three half days per week, helping young learners prepare for school. |
Programs Available by Area:
- Use the Find My School tool to locate your designated home school.
- Click on the municipality in which you reside and locate your designated home school. Click on the school name to review the Early Years Programs currently being offered. Programs offered at the school may include Early Years Hubs, Before and After School Programs, After School Recreation Programs, Child Care Centres (Infant, Toddler, Preschool), and/or Nursery/Preschool Programs.
Registration and availability of programs is managed by DDSB Child Care partners. Please complete the Child Care survey below or click on the Child Care partner logo(s) listed for your designated home school for contact information and additional details about a specific program.
Child Care Survey
Not every DDSB school will offer the same Child Care programs – programs are school-specific and may differ with availability. If licensed child care is not available at your child's designated home school, it is recommended that families visit the Regional Municipality of Durham’s web page to find quality child care using the interactive map. This map shows child care options available to families including licensed child care centres, home child care options and recreation programs for before and after school children.
For families interested in locating Child Care programs for children between the ages of 0-4, please select your designated home school to learn whether a Licensed Child Care Centre is available at the school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Supporting Children with Special Needs
Licensed child care operators work in partnership with Special Needs Resourcing (SNR) services which work directly with educators to support equity and inclusion of all children. Please see the Region of Durham website for more information on supports for children with special needs who are attending a licensed child care program.
Before and After School Care Fees
For information on program registration, fees, hours of operation, and availability, it is recommended that families contact the managing Child Care partner(s) directly. Please see below for a general range of fees for DDSB before and after school programs:
- Kindergarten: $13.00/day (if receiving CWELCC), programs may range from $60-$90 per week
- School-Age: programs may run from $95 to $132.50 per week
Please click on the Child Care partner logo(s) below for contact information and additional details about a specific program and the fee schedule.
Not every DDSB school will offer the same Child Care programs – programs are school-specific and may differ with availability. If licensed child care is not available at your child's designated home school, it is recommended that families visit the Regional Municipality of Durham’s web page to find quality child care using the interactive map. This map shows child care options available to families including licensed child care centres, home child care options and recreation programs for before and after school children.
Child Care Subsidy
The Regional Municipality of Durham's Child Care Fee Subsidy Program helps families, who live in the Durham Region, pay for licensed child care. Please see the Region of Durham website for more information on eligibility criteria, and a copy of the application form.
