Licensing and CWELCC
Nature Grove Child Care Agency is currently pre-operational and actively completing the Ontario Ministry of Education licensing process. We are committed to transparency, compliance, and building a high-quality home child care agency serving Barrie and communities across Simcoe County.
Our licensing journey with the Ministry of Education
We are currently working through the official Ontario Ministry of Education licensing process for a licensed home child care agency. Our corporate structure, foundational policies, program guidelines, background check protocols, and formal application are prepared, and we are working diligently through remaining Ministry review stages.
We are taking the time to establish our agency with care and precision, prioritizing robust oversight, thoughtful provider support, and child-centred practices. Nature Grove is not yet operational, enrolling children, or contracting provider homes. Once our licence is approved and appropriate funding is established, we will move forward with opening announcements, verified provider homes, and child placements.
Planned participation in CWELCC ($22-a-day child care)
Our long-term goal is to participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system so that local families can benefit from affordable, reduced-fee child care. Future enrollment in CWELCC depends directly on provincial approval, municipal funding allocations, and requirements established by the local consolidated municipal service manager.
While our initial geographic focus is Barrie and Simcoe County, we may explore other Ontario regions if funding opportunities arise. Until formal approval and funding agreements are confirmed, Nature Grove cannot guarantee participation, promise reduced fees, or market spaces as CWELCC-funded.
Standards rooted in How Does Learning Happen? and future interest
Our future programs will be guided by Ontario’s How Does Learning Happen? pedagogy, nurturing belonging, well-being, engagement, and expression. Families can look forward to strictly vetted and monitored home premises, small-group settings with responsive educators, nutritious meals, active outdoor discovery, and rigorous health and safety practices, from sleep supervision to emergency protocols.
Families are invited to register on our future-care interest list or email us at info@naturegrovechildcare.ca. Sharing your child’s age, expected schedule, and preferred location helps us plan future capacity. Please note that joining this list is an expression of interest only and does not guarantee child care space, placement date, or fee structure.