Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I have concerns about my informal child care arrangement?

The best approach is to discuss concerns that you have with your child's caregiver. Developing and maintaining open communication is important to the quality of care that your child receives. You might want to arrive early for drop-off or pick-up, or schedule a time to meet with your caregiver to address any concerns. If the situation is not resolved and you still have concerns, you may consider speaking to a staff person at your local Ontario Early Years Centre for suggestions and support.

What do I do if I have concerns about my licensed child care service?

The best approach is to discuss concerns with your caregiver (supervisor/operator). If the situation is not resolved and you believe the concerns are related to the requirements or standards that the program must meet, contact the Ministry of Children's Services office at 705-742-9292.

What should I do if I suspect child abuse?

If a person has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection, the person must promptly report the suspicion and the information upon which it is based to the Children’s Aid Society.

To reach the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society, please call 705-743-9751.

How many children can a person care for without a licence?

The Day Nurseries Act requires that any premise be licensed that receives more than five children under the age of 10 years, not of common parentage (children who have different parents), for temporary care and guidance.

An individual may provide informal child care to five children or less under the age of 10 years who are not of common parentage (children who have different parents), in addition to his/her own children, without a licence.

There are no regulations under the Day Nurseries Act which are specific to informal, unlicensed child care.

I have a child with special needs. Is there any financial assistance available to help with their needs ?

Please call the local Ministry of Children’s Services at 705-742-9292 ext:350

Who do I call about play groups and other activities for young children in the City and County of Peterborough?

Please call the Ontario Early Years Centre at 705-748-9144 or visit Ontario Early Years Centre.

I would like to operate a Childcare Centre. Who do I call for information?

To apply for a licence to operate either a day nursery or a private-home day care agency, contact the Ministry of Children's Services at 705-742-9292.

How do I apply for Ontario Works?

To apply for Ontario Works, please call 705-748-8830 or 1-877-272-8610. For more information on Ontario Works programs, check out the section on this website -- Further Support Services for Ontario Works Families with Children.

How do I apply for Student Welfare?

Please call the Ontario Works screening unit at 705-748-8830 or 1-877-272-8610.

How do I contact my Caseworker at Ontario Works?

Please call 705-748-8830 ext: 3832 or 3833

How do I find out about Ontario Government Services?

Please call 705-755-4427 for information about programs and services of the Ontario Government or visit www.gov.on.ca

How do I apply for or contact the Government of Canada Child Tax Credit Office?

Please call the Canada Child Tax Credit Office at 1-800-387-1193

What is the phone number for the Ontario Family Responsibility Office (child support payments)?

To reach the Family Responsibility Office, please call 1-800-267-4330.

How do I apply for the Ontario Child Care Supplement for Working Families?

This program benefits low-to-middle income single or two-parent families, families with one stay-at-home parent, or families with one or both parents studying or in training. It only applies to families with children 7 years of age or under.

For more information, please call the office at 1-800-263-7965.

I need information regarding support services for teenagers. Who can I call?

You can call: Peterborough Youth Services at 705-743-1681

Kinark at 705-742-3803

John Howard Society at 705-743-8331

Youth Emergency Shelter at 705-748-3851

Who do I obtain a Birth Certificate?

Please call the office of the Registrar General at: 1-800-461-2156

Who do I get information about recreational activities in the City of Peterborough?

Please call the City Recreation Department at: 705-742-7777 ext. 1826

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