An online registry designed to recruit child care workers has been set up on the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) website.
DNSSAB officials say the demand for child care workers continues to increase along with emergency child care spaces. There are several options between North Bay and Sturgeon Falls, including 74 centres based child care spaces available, but those numbers cannot expand without additional child care workers willing to assist those programs.
“The DNSSAB, YMCA Northeastern Ontario, West Nipissing Child Care Corporation and Friends Forever Child Care now have services up and running, but without the required staff, additional spaces can’t be opened,” says DNSSAB Chair, Mark King. “This does provide employment opportunities not only for child care professionals but also for students completing programs centred around children, youth, and recreation.”
Officials add with COVID-19 protocols in place, additional staff allows for physical distancing and smaller group interactions. With some essential workers having shifts that can run around the clock, 24/7 care is also required. Emergency child care providers are also looking to expand services offered in North Bay and Mattawa.
