We provide before and after school age care in 10 schools throughout St. Thomas and Elgin County. Our programs are licensed by the Ministry of Education and in partnership with Thames Valley District School Board. Children from Kindergarten to age 12 experience a fun, safe place to play, be creative, make friends, be active indoors and outdoors, with healthy snacks provided before and after school. Our educators come from a diverse range of backgrounds and participate in professional learning throughout the year and are trained in First Aid and CPR.
Hours of Operation
Before School: 7:00am to school start
After School: school dismissal to 6:00pm
10 Locations to Serve You
Elgin Court P.S.
Éva Circé Côté (ECC)
Davenport P.S.
McGregor P.S.
Mitchell Hepburn P.S.
New Sarum P.S.
Southwold P.S.
Springfield P.S.
Straffordville P.S.
Summers’ Corners P.S.
Want to learn more?
Review the current Parent Handbook & Rates to find the Before and After School Program for your family.
For Current Families:
Please access your online Digibot Family Portal by clicking here. Please email Danielle Montgomery if you need your activation code resent.
For Future Families interested in registration, or currently waiting for care, a Digibot account will be configured when you are offered a space within our childcare programs. Please see “Want to Start the Registration Process?” below and follow instructions provided.
Want to start the registration process?
Follow these steps:
- Create an account and apply for your program(s) within the City’s One HSN Childcare Waitlist system. **To see the schools that are available you must begin with the start date of Sept followed by the year you are looking for. Please also indicate what type of care is needed.**
- We are notified and will contact you via email with requests for additional information.
- Once all information is collected, we will notify you of acceptance into the program of choice OR if you are placed on our waitlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child attend Before and After School Program?
We provide care in 9 schools in St. Thomas and Elgin County to children in JK to 12 years of age.
Why is my child placed on the Waitlist?
Our programs fill up quickly, so we encourage all parents to apply for Before and After School care when the registration process opens in the spring. We accept applications throughout the school year but the ability to be accepted into the program of your choice may be limited to space, staffing and safety. Children are placed on our waitlist on a first come first served basis and we will let families know of a space as soon as one becomes available.
What will my child do in the Before and After School Program?
In a warm, safe and nurturing environment children will have opportunities to play, learn and grow. Our programs are flexible and cater to the growth and development of each child. The curiosities of children direct the planning and approaches we use for learning, play, creative arts, drama, music and active play inside and outside. Children will play and engage in groups as well as individually.
Are you a licensed Program?
Our programs are all licensed with the Ministry of Education. We adhere to the rules and regulations as outlined in the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA). We practice Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years – How Does Learning Happen?
Who will be looking after my child?
Your child will be cared for and nurtured by our team of Educators and Coordinators. Our Educators all have a strong desire to assist in the growth and development of children. Each staff member has a valid First Aid and CPR, as well as an updated Immunization Record. Prior to starting each staff member must have a Vulnerable Sector Police Check and complete a thorough orientation and training process. Staff members are required to complete 3 Professional Development trainings throughout the school year, as well as any other trainings identified by the YWCA. Our staff are highly competent and capable of providing quality care which is testament to our Before and After School program that has been operating for many years.
I no longer require care. How do I withdraw my child and is there a penalty?
We know that care situations change for families. We do require 2 weeks written notice prior to the last day of attendance for the child as well, we do charge a small administration fee of $20.00 for the cancellation of this service. Please email childcare@ywcaste.ca
I still have questions, can I talk to someone?
We would be happy to talk to you. Please reach out to our Registration Family Liaison at 519-631-9800 or visit our Contact Us Page.
When should I register for Before and After School Programs?
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and our Website for when B&A Registrations go live for the following school year in April. You are welcome to apply at anytime throughout the school year, but please be aware that many of our programs will be in a waitlist situation and you will have to wait for a spot to open up.
Do I have to register for Before and After School care every year?
Yes, you do. We treat each school year separate from the previous year. Be watching for when Registration periods open and go live. Apply through your OneHSN account.
How do I apply for Childcare Subsidy?
You can inquire about subsidy on your OneHSN account. A representative from the City’s Child Services Department will then contact you about your eligibility.
How do I access my tax receipts?
Your annual childcare tax receipt will be sent to you at the end of January via the email we have on file. If you have a change in your email prior to this, please notify us at childcare@ywcaste.ca