Services Available

Under provincial regulations, The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) is responsible for administering five main child care services:

  • Fee Subsidy
  • Wage Subsidy/Enhancement
  • Special Needs Resources
  • Family Resource Programs
  • Ontario Works Informal Child Care.

Overview Of Services

Fee Subsidy - financial assistance is provided towards the cost of day nursery or private home day care services for parents, foster parents, or legal guardians of children who are between 0 - 12 years.  Funding is either provided in accordance with the DNA or Ontario Works Act.  On average, 1,300 families or 1,800 children are assisted through this program each year.

Wage Enhancement Grant (WEG)  - provides subsidy for the enhancement of salaries and benefits for employees of day nurseries, private-home day care agencies, resource centres and agencies that provide staff, equipment, supplies or services in accordance with subsection 66.1(2) of O. Regulation 262, as amended, Day Nurseries Act.  The wage subsidy program improves the salaries and benefits of child care workers, enhances staff stability, and helps to make licensed child care more affordable for all parents.

Special Needs Resource Services (SNR) - ensures that all children, regardless of need, can participate in the child care setting of their families' choice.  Currently there are two modes of service in the District, an on-site model and an off-site resource and referral model that provides services to programs that do not have a Resource Teacher.  For information on special needs services funded directly by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, please link to: http://www.gov.on.ca/children/english/programs/needs/index.html

Family Resource Programs (FRP)  - a range of support services are provided to caregivers of young children.  Family Resource Programs aim to improve the quality of care provided in unlicensed child care settings, provide information about options concerning child care arrangements, provide training for private home day care providers, and enhance interactions between children and their parents and other caregivers.  Services include:

  • Drop in Programs
  • Play Groups
  • Respite
  • Parenting Supports and Resources
  • Workshops
  • Toy Lending Library
  • Child Care Registry

Ontario Works Informal Child Care
Please contact your Ontario Works Caseworker.