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Community Child Care of Ottawa
takes the anxiety out of finding quality child care
The clock is ticking down – too fast – until your
scheduled return to work. After months at home
with your baby, how will you possibly hand her over
to a stranger for care? Who in the west end – or in
the world, for that matter – can give her the TLC she
deserves?
You’ll feel a lot better when you call
613 592-4636.
That’s the number for Community Child Care
of Ottawa (CCC). A non-profit, home child care
agency, CCC has been providing quality homebased
child care in Kanata, Goulbourn and West
Carleton since 1982. The program is for children
from infancy to ten years of age and spaces are available
for full fee and subsidized care, with subsidies
granted by the City of Ottawa on an income basis.
Community Child Care is licensed in compliance
with the Ontario Day Nurseries Act and it’s a
source of great comfort for parents looking for a
home away from home for their offspring.
“We get all kinds of requests for care,” notes
executive director Cheryl Heywood. “And we answer
a lot of questions.” Parents who access caregivers
through Community Child Care of Ottawa feel confident
knowing their children receive good care,
healthy meals and snacks and an enriched educational
environment. Why?
The child care providers are carefully screened,
through interviews and home assessments.
They’re selected for their child care skills and
their ability to organize experiences that encourage
children’s development. They are skilled in using
their homes and neighbourhoods to maximize
learning opportunities.
Due West Magazine • Page 26 • Fall 2008
All care providers and other adults in their
homes must have clear police record checks and references.
The agency’s Child Care Advisors interview families
and accompany them on home visits to potential
care providers. All advisors have a background in
early childhood education and they work as a team to
ensure placements meet the needs of each child or
family.
“We try and give really personal service,” Cheryl
explains. “We spend a lot of time with young parents
who are anxious about care.”
You’ll be reassured to know that contact is ongoing
with parents and that the Child Care Advisors
pay both announced and unannounced visits to the
care homes.
During visits, advisors bring toys, puzzles or
games as well as craft activities to promote early
childhood education. In addition, CCC regularly
organizes park days and other activities.
Through the agency, care providers get training
in various aspects of child care, including nutrition,
First Aid and CPR.
Ultimately, the whole community benefits.
Cheryl mentions a second-generation Community
Child Care provider who is now caring for the
daughter of a parent who used to be in her care. She
also mentions a family that has relied on CCC for 15
years. “The 10-year-old daughter is still with us.”
Over the years, the agency has evolved to meet
the changing needs of the west end. These days,
Cheryl says, “we find there are a lot of young families
who are struggling and have a need for flexible
care.” She mentions folks requiring child care during
the evenings, overnight and on weekends. “We
pride ourselves in our ability to meet those special
needs.” And, she adds, “If there’s a child or a family
in need, that’s our top priority.”
For details about Community Child Care
of Ottawa, call 613 592-4636 and check
www.communitychildcareottawa.ca
* Some text provided by Lena W. Wong.