Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo and the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) are moving ahead with two modular child care centres at Kitchener schools, creating 176 new licensed child care spaces, with The Healing of the Seven Generations and RisingOaks Early Learning Ontario selected as operators.

The two new child care centres will be located at:

• Howard Robertson Public School – operated by The Healing of the Seven Generations
• Smithson Public School – operated by RisingOaks Early Learning Ontario

The WRDSB worked with the Region to strategically select school sites for the child care centres, supporting a seamless pathway of learning from the early years to elementary education. By selecting sites near public transit and in the Region’s priority areas, the WRDSB and the Region are helping make early learning more accessible and working together to expand affordable licensed child care spaces in areas where they are needed most.

The Howard Robertson Public School location marks an important milestone as the second Indigenous-led child care centre in Waterloo Region. The centre will provide a culturally safe environment and prioritize spaces for Indigenous children and families.

Modular construction offers an efficient way to create new child care spaces, using the same standards as permanent construction, combined with speed and flexibility. The Region awarded Modulable the contract to build both modular units. Prefabrication will begin off-site in the coming weeks, with on-site assembly expected later in 2026.

Each centre will have 88 spaces funded through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreement and the new child care centres will be added to OneList later this year. Parents and guardians registered on OneList will receive an email notification when they can register. The centres are expected to open in December 2026.

Regional Council approved $4.4 million in 2025 to purchase the modular child care centres.

Quotes

“Families need child care that is affordable, accessible and located where it can make the biggest difference. By working with WRDSB and not-for-profit partners, we are creating new spaces in priority communities and using an innovative approach to deliver them efficiently. This is a practical investment that will help more families access the care they need, closer to home.”

- Regional Chair Karen Redman

“Co-locating licensed child care on school properties makes life easier for families and strengthens the broader community. We’re proud to once again partner with Healing of the Seven Generations to establish the region’s second Indigenous-led child care centre and to work alongside RisingOaks Early Learning to expand high-quality, not-for-profit child care spaces in priority communities as we continue working toward equitable access to child care for all.” 

- Barb Cardow, Director of Children’s Services, Region of Waterloo

“The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is pleased to announce Howard Robertson Public School and Smithson Public School as the sites selected for the new modular child care centres. Expanding child care capacity requires strong collaboration, and this initiative reflects the commitment of our partners to finding practical, community-based solutions. By piloting stand-alone modular child care centres on school properties, we are helping address barriers related to space, affordability, and access in neighbourhoods where there have been limited options. We value our partnerships with the Region of Waterloo, The Healing of the Seven Generations and RisingOaks Early Learning Ontario, and we are excited for the positive impact that high-quality early years programs will have on the community.

- Scott Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Waterloo Region District School Board

“We are so Honoured to be having our second Indigenous-Led Centre in the region. With this new location being more accessible, we hope to help even more families that live in the Kitchener area bring the Culture back to their children.”

 - Renata Richards, Executive Director, Ga'nigǫhi:yo Indigenous Child Care and Family Centre

"As the early learning system continues to grow, there is an opportunity to do so in ways that are both sustainable and inclusive. This project with the Region of Waterloo, WRDSB, and The Healing of the Seven Generations reflects a shared commitment to creating environments where children, families, and educators experience a true sense of belonging.”

- Lori Prospero, CEO, RisingOaks Early Learning Ontario

About the Region of Waterloo

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, situated in Southern Ontario, is a diverse and thriving community that encompasses the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, along with the townships of Woolwich, Wilmot, Wellesley, and North Dumfries. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the Region is dedicated to building a resilient and vibrant community for all. For more information, visit regionofwaterloo.ca.

About the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB)

Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) serves approximately 65,000 students in 123 schools, as well as alternative and continuing education sites. WRDSB is committed to creating learning environments that support the achievement and well-being of all students through partnering with staff, parents, families, caregivers and communities to promote success in learning and life.

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