The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is switching to a new special needs model in its licensed childcare and that will mean layoffs for the current service provider.
The municipality said 39 jobs will be affected at Linck Child, Youth, and Family Supports when the contract ends in mid-April.
The municipality noted the current special needs model is no longer able 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 said.
According to the municipality, Linck will see a staff reduction of 24 full-time, six contract, and nine casual positions, adding that staff who lose their jobs are being offered supports through the CK Jobs program and could be absorbed into the new positions that the new model will create.
"The Municipality wishes to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that the staff of Linck have provided to the community and their efforts to support CK children and families," said officials.
Municipal officials noted the new model will allow for a different provision of services, which will continue to be focused on inclusion in the classroom while strengthening the education and capacity building components.
The municipality said it's working with Linck throughout the transition to ensure that existing service levels are maintained and continued into the new model.
Officials noted families will be engaged and consulted in the future regarding progression plans, if and when it is suitable, based on success in the classroom.
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 ccey@chatham-kent.ca.
The Executive Director at Linck told CK News Today that the agency is shocked about the transition to the new special needs model.
Teri Thomas-Vanos said her staff is devastated because they were caught by surprise.
"It was a shock. It's always a disappointment when this kind of news is received. We're working to reset ourselves and to move forward as best as possible," said Thomas-Vanos.
Thomas-Vanos hopes her staff find new employment or get absorbed into jobs created by the new model.
"We're very hopeful that our staff can find new employment. They're very qualified, they have strong relationships with community partners, and most directly with kids and families. So, that would definitely be the best outcome possible," Thomas-Vanos noted.
Thomas-Vanos said she is extremely proud of her staff for being such professionals.
"When we let our staff know the news of this decision and the impact on them personally, the thing that I'm most proud of for our staff was that the very first question asked was what does this mean for the kids?" Thomas-Vanos said.
Thomas-Vanos noted the new model is a work in progress and she's curious to see how it works when it's implemented.
The new model introduces three new components, designed to strengthen the entire SNR 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.
