Local DSSAB to take direct control of child care delivery

Press Release

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board would like to confirm that in conjunction with the $15 million provincial investment in capital that is proceeding across the district as listed below, a review of the current service delivery model was completed.
•$2.4 million (Rainy River) for retrofit/addition to existing high school—JK to Grade 12
—addition of child care centre 39 spaces (15 toddler and 24 pre-school)
—addition of a child and family centre
—operational in September, 2019
•$2.4 million (Emo) for retrofit/addition to Donald Young School—JK to Grade 8
—addition of child care centre 49 spaces (10 infant, 15 toddler, and 24 pre-school)
—operational in September, 2019
•$2.4 million (Fort Frances) for addition to Robert Moore School—JK to Grade 8
—addition of child care centre 49 spaces (10 infant, 15 toddler, and 24 pre-school)
­­—operational in September, 2019
•$1.6 million (Fort Frances) for new Catholic school–JK to Grade 8
­—addition of child care centre 39 spaces (15 toddler and 24 pre-school)
—operational in September, 2019
•$2.8 million (Fort Frances) for new build at the United Native Friendship Centre
—addition of child care centre 49 spaces (10 infant,15 toddler, and 24 pre-school)
—operational in December, 2020
•$3.4 million (Atikokan) for retrofit/addition to existing high school—JK to Grade 12
—addition of child care centre 49 spaces (10 infant, 15 toddler, and 24 pre-school)
—addition of a child and family centre
—operational in September, 2020
After a careful and lengthy review of several service delivery models, a decision was made by the RRDSSAB to move to a direct delivery model with direct operational control was made.
“With the RRDSSAB board, we will be able to react quickly and more consistently with a common voice to improve access, and improved service delivery in a standardized format to parents across the district,” said RRDSSAB CAO Dan McCormick.
Key objectives in moving to direct delivery included:
•direct oversight by RRDSSAB board of directors;
•increased number of child-care spaces;
•potential to reduce parent fees;
•potential to improve hours of operations;
•improvements to staff remuneration;
•improved sustainability;
•standardized service delivery;
•co-located with schools to reduce operational costs; and
•one drop-off/pick-up location for parents.
In the forthcoming months, the RRDSSAB will be doing an open call for employment for staffing of all of the new locations across the district.
Hiring will include a children’s services operations supervisor, centre supervisors, resource teachers, and early childhood educators, as well as support staff and Children and Family Centre staff.
The RRDSSAB is working with current operators to ensure a smooth transition in each location, without any service interruption.