Resources for Parents & Guardians

Helping Families Access Quality Early Learning

Choosing child care is an important decision, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Our educators build strong relationships with families, nourishing meaningful connections between home and our programs. Your child’s well-being, development, and early experiences guide everything we do.

We offer inclusive, play-based environments where children can explore, discover, and learn. Educators observe and respond to each child’s interests, nurturing curiosity and supporting self-directed learning.

Both of our centres participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program, offering high-quality, accessible care with reduced fees for children aged 0–5.


Useful Resources & Guides

Explore helpful resources, guides, and community supports designed to assist families, caregivers, and child care providers.

Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program

The CWELCC system helps make licensed child care more affordable and accessible for families across Ontario. Learn more about CWELCC here.

Child Care Search

Find guidance on choosing quality child care that best suits your family’s needs, or learn more about finding and paying for childcare.

Special Needs Support

Access dedicated family resources through THRIVE.

Parenting Support

Discover parenting resources and advice with Triple P Parenting.

Reports & Documents

Access the Small Reports Section containing official resources from our provider page.


Applying for Child Care

Licensed, high-quality child care and early learning programs support safe, healthy childhood development. To view the local child care list and register, visit saultchildcare.ca. Centres will contact you when a space becomes available.

For step-by-step guidance on applying through the Sault Ste. Marie Central Child Care Application Site, please view the Parent Manual here.

Child Care Fee Subsidy

You may be eligible for a child care fee subsidy if you meet the following criteria:

  • Age: Your child is 12 years old or younger.
  • Guardianship: You are the child’s parent or legal guardian.
  • Activity: You are currently working, attending school, or have a child with special needs.
  • Income: Your family income meets the program’s requirements.

Important Next Steps

To help prepare for your next steps, please take a moment to review the essential eligibility and confirmation details below.

  • Income Verification: Eligibility is determined by your family income based on your most current Notice of Assessment. If you need a copy, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281.
  • Final Confirmation: Your official eligibility and exact parent contribution amount will be confirmed during your scheduled appointment.

Forms & Tools

Utilize the digital tools and forms provided below to calculate your costs or initiate an appeal process.

If you have questions about fee subsidy eligibility, contributions, or the appeal process, our team is available to help.

EarlyON Child & Family Centres

EarlyON Child and Family Centres are welcoming spaces offering free programs and services for children ages 0-6 and their parents and caregivers.

Families can enjoy activities, connect with other families, learn about community services and supports, receive guidance from early childhood professionals, and participate in parenting programs.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres are located across Sault Ste. Marie, Prince Township, and Goulais River.

Learn more about DSSAB child care centres

St. Paul Extended Day

This high quality extended day program offers care for children aged 4–12 and is licensed for 26 JK/SK children and 30 school-aged children.

Program Rates
  • JK/SK Full Day: $18.90
  • School Age Full Day: $40.00
Location

St. Paul Catholic School
78 Dablon Street, Sault Ste. Marie,
ON P6B 5E6

Hours
  • Before School: 7:30am – 8:50am
  • After School: 3:20am – 5:30pm

The program is closed on all statutory holidays, including:

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30)
  • Remembrance Day (Nov. 11)

In addition to statutory holidays, the program observes two Professional Development (PD) days each year.

For 2026, the scheduled PD days are:

  • System-Wide PD Day: April 17, 2026
  • DSSAB PD Day: June 4, 2026

Please note that PD day dates may change annually. Refer to your parent handbook for the most current schedule.

Prince Charles Early Learning Centre

This program provides care for children from birth to 4 years of age and is licensed for:

  • 10 infants (0–18 months)
  • 15 toddlers (18 months to 2.5 years)
  • 24 preschool children (2.5 to 4 years)
Program Rates
  • Infant: $22.00 per day
  • Toddler: $22.00 per day
  • Preschool: $21.26 per day
Location

Prince Charles Secondary School
550B Northern Avenue East,
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 4J4

Hours of Operation
  • 7:30am – 5:30pm

The program is closed on all statutory holidays, including:

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30)
  • Remembrance Day (Nov. 11)

In addition to statutory holidays, the program observes two Professional Development (PD) days each year and closes for one week during the summer for facility cleaning.

For 2026, the scheduled closure dates are:

  • System-Wide PD day: April 17, 2026
  • DSSAB PD day: June 4, 2026
  • Summer Cleaning Closure: July 13–17, 2026

Please note that these dates may change annually. Refer to your parent handbook for the most current schedule.

Welcome to Our New Website

We’re excited to introduce our new website! As part of our soft launch, you may notice occasional updates and refinements while we complete the final review. Thank you for your patience as we continue improving your online experience.