The majority of families and educators across Ontario experience the school day as two separate systems. This split can create gaps in continuity, access, staffing, and support, despite growing evidence that children benefit most from integrated learning and care throughout the day. Earlier this year, 3 videos introducing the seamless day model were produced in cooperation with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and sponsored by Building Blocks for Child Care (B2C2), the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Toronto Education Workers (CUPE Local 4400), and the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development. The videos show how integrated programs work and also how they can improve children’s learning experiences and strengthen collaboration between educators and early childhood professionals. All three videos are available below.

Building on the strong interest that these videos generated, B2C2, the WRDSB, and the Atkinson Centre hosted a two-part webinar series in April showcasing the WRDSB extended-day model as a real-world example of this approach in action. The WRDSB directly operates extended-day child care in 75 of its 104 elementary schools, employing 330 unionized, full-time Early Childhood Educators and serving approximately 4,200 children from junior kindergarten to Grade 6. The initiative began over 15 years ago as a partnership between the Region of Waterloo and both local school boards, and has continued to expand despite a province-wide shortage of early childhood educators.

The first webinar, held on April 9, provided an overview of the model and its outcomes. The second, held April 23, focused on implementation considerations for communities exploring a similar approach. Reception was strong, with attendees showing meaningful interest in how the model might apply in their own contexts. 

A comprehensive manual overviewing school board–operated extended care is also in development and will be shared with the sector in the coming weeks.