Excerpts
Effective October 1, 2022, the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) will assume the direct delivery of child care programming and services currently being offered by FIREFLY in Kenora. The transfer results from FIREFLY identifying that it is no longer able to viably sustain these services. FIREFLY approached the KDSB to assume responsibility for the delivery of child care programs in Kenora, recognizing that the KDSB would be able to enhance service levels and leverage efficiencies. This transfer will allow the KDSB to strengthen the availability of child care services and spaces in Kenora. The change will not have adverse effects on children and families currently utilizing programs and services.
Through the transfer, all 36 staff currently employed with FIREFLY Kenora will receive offers of employment for comparable jobs with KDSB, and there will be no interruption in services for children and their families.
Effective October 1, 2022, the KDSB will assume the operation of the five FIREFLY Child Care programs:
- Keewatin Public School – Family Age Group and Kid’s After School
- Evergreen School – Toddler, Preschool and After School
- Louis School – Kid’s After School
- King George School – Preschool and Kid’s Before and After School
- Valleyview School – Kid’s Before and After School
“The decision to transfer operation of our child care services to the KDSB was difficult, but necessary, and made with the best interests of our families, children, and program employees in mind. We know that the KDSB has a wealth of expertise in the field and will continue to provide exceptional service that families have come to rely on. This transfer will allow FIREFLY to focus on providing our core regional services,” says Karen Ingebrigtson, Chief Executive Officer of FIREFLY.
“The KDSB is committed to ensuring high-quality, accessible, and affordable child care programming and services in the community of Kenora, and are working towards increasing child care spaces within these programs. We are pleased that the five centres will operate under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System. We look forward to welcoming all of the child care staff and families utilizing the Child Care programming to the KDSB,” says Henry Wall, Chief Administrative Officer of the KDSB.
All five child care programs will be closed to the public on Monday, October 3, to onboard staff. Services will resume to the public on Tuesday, October 4.
The KDSB and FIREFLY Kenora will work closely over the next month to ensure a smooth and seamless operation transition. As both parties move forward, the KDSB will communicate as needed with families, child care program employees, stakeholders, and the community. Both the KDSB and FIREFLY thank the families, school boards, and the Ministry of Education for supporting both organizations through this transition.