The County of Simcoe has announced a major expansion of its early learning and child care system, aiming to deliver more than 4,900 affordable, licensed spaces between 2022 and 2026. The move follows County Council’s approval of the 2025–2029 Early Learning and Child Care Service System Plan on June 24.
With 2,500 spaces already approved since 2022, the County plans to nearly double that number with 2,450 additional spots by the end of 2026.
“These spaces will open doors to brighter futures for thousands of children and their families,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “Helping build a thriving, connected Simcoe County for generations to come.”
At its core, the new plan sets out a vision for child care that is accessible, high-quality, and culturally responsive. Developed through thorough community consultation and backed by solid data, the strategy is built on three priorities:
- Inclusive and Accessible Experiences: The County pledges to improve access to services and support culturally safe programming that reflects the region’s growing diversity.
- Thriving Workforce Development: A renewed focus on mentorship and career growth aims to strengthen recruitment and retention across the early learning sector.
- Cohesive Community Planning: The County will continue leading collaborative efforts with local organizations while actively engaging parents and equity-deserving groups.
The County says these initiatives not only support healthy child development but also drive broader social and economic benefits for the community.
Residents can view or download the full plan by visiting simcoe.ca/childcare.
