Moving forward, hand in hand

This step and the alignment of child care and education to the Ministry of Education helps move the system toward having a comprehensive policy orientation and shows the commitment by the provincial government to an integrated service system for all children – and one that establishes child care as a service of equal value to education in supporting the early childhood development and care needs o [...] Building on the vision and principles presented in “Hand in Hand” OMSSA’s new paper examines the impact that Full Day Kindergarten has had on the Early Learning and Child Care System in Ontario and identifies various “Quick Wins” that will stabilize and help keep the current system viable during this time of transition and change. [...] CMSMs and DSSABs are prepared to work with the provincial government to ensure that the early learning and child care system is of high quality and meets the needs of children and families across Ontario. [...] Access to an integrated and inclusive continuum of early learning and child care leads to: An increase in social and economic benefits, such as increased participation in the workforce of parents, higher income and resulting spending capacity A reduction in poverty, by strengthening individuals and families, helping our schools and businesses, and giving more people the opportunity to make mea [...] OMSSA’s quick wins and longer-term recommendations to the Province in regards to increasing the affordability and inclusivity and, therefore, the accessibility of the early learning and child care system include: Recommendations Quick Wins:.