Chatham-Kent transforms childcare: new model boosts inclusion and educator support for special needs

Chatham-Kent is improving special needs resources in licensed childcare for families who need them.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is set to enhance special needs support within licensed childcare programs by transitioning to a new, educator-focused inclusion model.

This strategic shift, starting mid-April, will see the municipality end its service contract with Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports, impacting 39 positions, and instead focus on building capacity directly within childcare settings to foster more inclusive environments for all children, according to a news release from the municipality.

Officials say the municipality is changing the way it funds and provides support in line with other municipalities in the province and adapts its support to the changes to child cares over the past few years.

Families will be engaged and consulted in the future regarding progression plans if and when it is suitable as demonstrated by success in the classroom.

The new model introduces three new components, designed to strengthen the entire system:

1: Capacity Building for All Child Care Programs

Inclusion coaches will be hired to work directly in child care programs alongside educators and supervisors. Coaches will provide ongoing mentorship, observation, and practical strategies to educators to support inclusive environments for all children, without the need for referrals.

2: Intentional Capacity Building

When educators and supervisors need additional supports to provide inclusive environments for all children, child care operators will receive funding directly, to increase adult-to-child ratios along with the necessary supports to be successful. This flexible approach allows programs to respond to evolving needs while building long-term educator capacity.

3: Capacity Building through Wraparound Supports

In rare and complex cases, additional specialized supports may be coordinated, including external professionals or one-to-one assistance, delivered directly through the childcare operator.

Under the recommended model, licensed child care operators will be funded directly to provide enhanced support services (additional staff) to children with special needs while the Municipality’s Child Care and Early Years (CCEY) division will work directly with operators to support their educators through coaching, professional learning and capacity building activities.

Officials say the current SNR model was created with positive intent, but is unable to meet the growing and new challenges that the child care sector is experiencing. The sector has undergone considerable changes post-covid and more recently the announcement and implementation of the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care program has contributed to the need for change.

The Municipality acknowledged the hard work and dedication that the staff of Linck have provided to the community and their efforts to support CK children and families. Linck will see a staff reduction of 24 full-time, 6 contract and 9 casual positions. Staff negatively impacted by this decision are being offered supports through the Municipality’s CK Jobs program in addition to assistance with navigating the new positions that this model is creating.

Parents and caregivers with questions or concerns should contact the Child Care and Early Years division at 1-866-720-7975 or by email at [e-mail]. Staff will respond and set time to discuss your questions directly with you as soon as possible.