More child care spaces to be created

The Ontario government says it is delivering on its promise to create affordable child care. Within the next five years, roughly 100,000 licensed spaces will be created for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, with the first spaces opening in 2017. St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley said Friday the education ministry will begin consultations with parents, communities, and professionals throughout the fall and early winter, part of the long-term goal of creating an affordable, highquality child care system. It’s estimated that in Ontario, 20 per cent of children four years old and younger are in licensed child care. The new spaces will double the capacity to 40 per cent to meet the growing demand. On top of helping parents find affordable child care, the programs are also designed to promote early learning.