South Huron Schools to Reintroduce Before and After School Care

The Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) has announced the return of before and after school care programs for three schools in South Huron, following their recent closure. The programs at Exeter Elementary and Bluewater Coast will be reinstated as a new provider is currently undergoing the licensing process. AMDSB hopes to have the program operational before the end of the school year.

The closure of these programs took effect on September 26, 2023, for Exeter Elementary and Precious Blood School in Exeter. Additionally, preschool services at Bluewater Coast in Hensall were discontinued on August 29, 2023. In light of these closures, families affected by the loss of preschool services were offered placements at the Relouw Early Childhood Learning Centre in Exeter.

The decision to close the programs stemmed from significant staffing shortages among early childhood educators across the region. In response to this challenge, AMDSB has announced plans to recruit childcare staff and will soon post job advertisements to attract candidates. The board has encouraged the community to assist by sharing these postings widely.

In an official statement, AMDSB acknowledged the difficulties faced by families during this period, stating, “We acknowledge how challenging this situation has been for many of our families and we are doing everything possible to expedite this process. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding.”

The return of these programs is anticipated to provide much-needed support for families in the South Huron area, alleviating some of the pressures that arose from the previous closures. As the licensing process progresses, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution and a successful reinstatement of childcare services.