Before and after school care returns to South Huron next year

An empty childcare room is seen at Exeter Elementary School. (Source: London Bridge/Facebook)

Following the closure of before and after school care programs in three South Huron schools, the Avon Maitland District School Board recently announced the programs will return.

The board said a provider has come forward and is currently going through the licensing process to provide care for Exeter Elementary and Bluewater Coast.

According to AMDSB, the program will hopefully be in place before the school year ends.

The program closed officially on Sept. 26 at Exeter Elementary and Precious Blood in Exeter.

Preschool services ended on Aug. 29 at Bluewater Coast in Hensall.

After the closure, families in Bluewater Coast preschool were offered placement at the Relouw Early Childhood Learning Centre in Exeter.

The decision was made due to staffing shortages in early childhood educators across the county.

AMDSB says hiring advertisements will soon appear for childcare staff and asks the community to share the job postings.

“We acknowledge how challenging this situation has been for many of our families and we are doing everything possible to expedite this process. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding,” said AMDSB in a statement.