ROCKWOOD, ON – Today, the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) and the County of Wellington held a grand opening ceremony for the new Rockwood Child Care Centre and EarlyON Child and Family Centre.
Funded by an investment from the Government of Ontario, the new 8,300 square foot building was constructed on the northwest corner of the Sacred Heart Catholic School property. The licensed child care centre will accommodate 49 children under the age of four. The centre will be operated by the YMCA Three Rivers and will provide 10 infant, 15 toddler and 24 preschool spaces to local children. The building will also provide space to the Community Resource Centre to operate an EarlyON Child and Family Centre for families to enjoy.
“Quality, licensed child care centres play a critical role in helping parents return to the workforce,” said Warden Kelly Linton. “Parents can now bring their children to the beautiful new centre and the EarlyON Child and Family Centre will become a hub for families in this community to connect with one another and gain valuable caregiving skills.”
“I want to thank the Government of Ontario for investing in this wonderful facility,” commented Guelph/Eramosa Mayor, Chris White. “I am so pleased that the County was able to partner with the WCDSB and the YMCA Three Rivers to make this a reality in our community.”
“We are excited to be able to open this new licensed child care and EarlyOn Child and Family Centre in Rockwood,” said David Anderson, Social Services Committee Chair. “It is a much needed resource for local families.”
“We are thrilled to see the completion of this state-of-the-art childcare facility and thankful to the County of Wellington for their partnership on this project,” said Michael Glazier, Director of Education for the Wellington Catholic DSB. “The additional care opportunity will be of great benefit to the community of Rockwood, including our Sacred Heart families and neighbours.”
While the funding was originally announced in January 2017 and final approval for this project was given on November 27, 2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues pushed back the original opening date.
“Like many communities, the Township of Guelph/Eramosa also has a shortfall of full-time, full year licensed child care spaces,” said Luisa Artuso, Director of Children’s Early Years Division. “This new centre will greatly enhance the early learning experience for young children in the area.”
The hours of operation for the Centre are 6:30 am – 6:00 pm from Monday to Friday. For more information, please visit: www.wellington.ca/childcare