The 2016 Census Profile reveals information about working parents that indicate a need for quality child care, now more than ever. According to Statistics Canada, 49% of the population in Ontario with an employment income are women.

This new statistic supports what Chief Maire Sinha for Statistics Canada reports in her article Child Care in Canada,  that, “in 2011, almost half (46%) of parents reported using some type of child care for their children aged 14 years and younger in the past year.”

Stay-at-home mothers are not as common as they once were before.

In addition, Statistics Canada revealed that more than 3 million Ontarians are leaving for work before 8am. Based on the numbers from the 2016 census, we know that many of these commuters have children that require care before their child(ren)’s school starts for the day, or require care for their infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. In many of our PLASP programs, the school day does not start for chidren aged 4 years and older until after 9am.

Families require high quality child care now more than ever.

PLASP operates 382 Before School programs in schools located throughout Toronto and Peel Region, in addition to 25 Early Learning and Child Care Centres in Mississauga and Brampton. Programs start daily at 7:30am, with select locations opening at 7:15am, where demand is sufficient. A nutritious, substantial breakfast is supplied at all locations and outdoor time is provided, weather permitting.

“We understand that mornings are very busy for parents and we do everything we can to help relieve the pressure from parents that are on their way to work,” says Lynn Hiebert, PLASP CEO. “Parents can have peace of mind as they begin their work day, knowing their children have had a great start to their school day in the PLASP programs.”

After school care is also offered by PLASP, with PLASP operating 430 programs in schools from the end of the school day until 6:00pm. Extended care until 6:15pm is available in select locations. Children receive a healthy, nutritious snack in these programs as well.

Currently, PLASP provides care to 15,400 children from 11,900 families with Before and After School programs, PA Days, holiday camps and our Early Learning and Child Care Centres. As child care spaces expand across the province of Ontario, we anticipate that our numbers will grow. PLASP will continue to work closely with our various school boards and the Ontario Ministry of Education to expand our programs in communities where care is needed most.

More information and online registration is available on our website. For additional information, please call our Parent Servics hotline at 647-484-4372.