CLARENCE-ROCKLAND, ON – On Saturday, October 18, parents, children and child care workers will be among those gathering to celebrate the proud 40th anniversary of municipal child care services in Clarence-Rockland.
The afternoon festivities will be held in honour of nine municipal child care centres serving 700 children and their families throughout Clarence-Rockland’s communities. The event, which offers face-painting for youngsters, children’s performers and bouncy castles, is open to everyone.
An information session will also take place from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering parents and early childhood educators (ECEs) the opportunity to share their experiences on the positive impact that child care services have had on children and their families. They will also use the occasion to urge the protection and promotion of municipal child care services in their communities. Concerns about the provincial government’s new funding formula, which has had an impact on the cost of child care services to families, will also be addressed.
“There is a municipal election coming up in October and concerned residents and parents will be asking their councillors how they intend to protect and promote municipal day care in Clarence-Rockland,” said Brian Madden, President of Local 503 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The union represents ECEs at Clarence-Rockland’s municipal child care centres and is the proud sponsor of Saturday’s event.
Research shows that quality child care and early learning benefit children, parents and the economy by returning $1.50 to government coffers for every $1 invested in programs.
Members of the media are invited to attend Saturday’s celebration.
Who:
Children, parents, child care workers and special guests
What:
Celebration of the 40th anniversary of municipal child care in Clarence-Rockland
When:
Saturday, October 18, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Information session for parents from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Speakers to include:
- Thérèse Lefaivre, Director of Community Services for Clarence-Rockland
- Anne Morris Bouchard, Manager of Daycare Services for Clarence-Rockland
- Julie Bourbonnais, parent of child
Where:
Jean-Marc Lalonde Arena, 1450 du Parc Avenue, Rockland, Ontario
For information, contact:
Jean-Marc Bézaire, CUPE National Representative
613-293-8163 or e-mail jbezaire@cupe.ca
Carrie Lynn Poole-Cotnam, CUPE Local 503
613-292-8902 or e-mail clpoolecotnam@cupe503.com
Mary Unan, CUPE Communications
905-739-3999 ext. 240 or 647-390-9839 (cell)