Our Services

Early Years Services

The Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) is the Service System Manager for all Early Learning and Care Programs throughout the Kenora District.

The KDSB is also a direct service provider of Early Learning and Child Care in the communities of Dryden and Pickle Lake.

Services include: Licensed Child Care Programs and EarlyON Child and Family Centres. The KDSB believes that a supportive foundation for children and youth encourages an increase in well-being for the District.

All Early Learning and Care Programs (ELC) provides play-based learning environments that are:

  • Safe
  • High-quality
  • Inclusive
  • Affordable
  • Supportive of children and their families need

KDSB’s Early Years Services:

Licensed Child Care and Early Learning Programs

Child Care and Early Years Programs are legislated by Ontario’s Child Care and Early Years Act 2014. KDSB does not directly provide child care. Service agreements are put in place with licensed child care operators throughout the District.

Licensed Early Childhood Educators provide high quality play based learning that values and builds on children’s strengths and abilities.  A supportive and nurturing environment ensures each child’s needs are met and families are supported.

Please visit the Licensed Child Care and Early Learning Programs web page for locations.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, drop-in programs for children and their parents/caregivers. EarlyON centres are places to engage and connect with others in the community and feel a sense of belonging.

You will be welcomed by qualified early year’s professionals who can provide support, advice, and helpful resources. EarlyON centres are where children and their parents/caregivers can learn, play, laugh, be curious, make friends and engage with others.

Please visit the EarlyON web page for EarlyON locations and current calendars of events by location.

Early Learning and Care Fee Subsidy

A fee subsidy may be provided to qualifying families with children of all ages. Please visit the Early Learning and Care Fee Subsidy web page to learn more.

Special Needs Resourcing

The KDSB funds Resource Teachers for all of our licensed child care centres. This service supports the integration of children with special needs at no additional cost to parents.

Resource teachers assist child care centres by:

  • Conducting an assessment of children with special needs
  • Preparing unique program plans for each child
  • Providing support to families and caregivers

Resource Teachers work with other community service providers to support children. This ensures that child care centres meet their needs and that they experience a successful transition to school.

Assistance for Recreational Programs

The Kenora District Services Board provides funding to several community organizations to promote recreational and cultural activities for under-privileged children. Please visit the Assistance for Recreational Programs web page to see a complete list of organizations providing assistance for recreational programs in the Kenora District.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some things to look for when selecting child care:

  • Are staff highly-skilled?
  • Are there appropriate adult-to-child-ratios?
  • Is programming age-appropriate and engaging?
  • Are there systems in place that protect a child’s health and safety?
  • Are children accepted no matter what their ability or culture?
  • Are there opportunities for positive social, physical, cognitive, cultural and artistic experiences and learning?

These are just a few things to look for when selecting high-quality child care. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact our Early Years team.

Contact a child care centre now to be placed on a waitlist. For a complete list of licensed child care centres in the Kenora District, see our Licensed Child Care Programs web page.

In Ontario, Child Care Centres are licensed by the Ministry of Education. For more information on choosing quality child care please visit the Government of Ontario’s: Find and Pay for Child Care web page.

Families should inquire at their local child care centre regarding availability of spaces to be placed on a waitlist. You should apply for subsidy once you have a secured a space. For a complete list of licensed child care centres in the Kenora District, please see the Licensed Child Care and Learning Programs web page.

Eligibility is determined using a provincially mandated income test. Please see Early Learning and Care (ELC) Fee Subsidy

In order to be eligible for an ELC fee subsidy both the applicant and co-applicant (if applicable) must be working or attending school unless other circumstances apply. Please see Early Learning and Care (ELC) Fee Subsidy period.

The amount that you pay for child care will be calculated using the information on Line 236 on your most recent Notice of Assessment/Reassessment and the amount of any Universal Child Care Benefit (if applicable). Depending on family circumstances, additional information may be needed.

For resources available please see Special Needs Resourcing.