New child care service provider announced for Manitoulin

Published by: The Manitoulin Expositor
Author: Expositor Staff
March 4, 2026

MANITOULIN—Following the news that Manitoulin Family Resources (MFR) would no longer act as the childcare provider at the Little Current Public School and Central Manitoulin Public School sites, it was announced late last week that Our Children, Our Future / Nos enfants, notre avenir (OCOF/Nena) has been selected through a competitive process as the new licenced child care service provider in Little Current and Mindemoya.

The Manitoulin–Sudbury District Services Board (DSB) announced that OCOF/Nena will operate licenced child care spaces for children ages 0 to 12, as well as EarlyON Manitoulin and the Home Child Care program.

OCOF/Nena currently operate 12 licenced child care sites in the North.

“Services will be phased in with the goal of making the transition to the new service provider as smooth as possible,” a press release from the DSB states. “Transition requirements, such as licencing, staffing and operational readiness, will move forward as quickly as possible to minimize disruptions.”

“We are honoured to serve the families of Manitoulin and look forward to building relationships rooted in care, respect and community,” said France Gauthier, executive director, OCOF/Nena.  “We step into this role with full hearts and a deep sense of responsibility. Behind every child care space is a family balancing work, routines, and hopes for their child’s future.”

The DSB will continue to work closely with OCOF/Nena to support implementation and communication with families. “We are committed to working together to minimize the interruption in services as we transition to the new service provider,” said Donna Stewart, CAO, Manitoulin Sudbury DSB. “Information, including anticipated timelines for services, will be shared directly with families so they can plan accordingly.” 

A letter to parents dated February 27 from the DSB  states that a disruption in care will take place during the month of March. “In order to allow time for licencing, staffing and operational readiness, there will be a temporary pause in child care services effective March 9. At this time, care for children aged 0–5 may be paused for up to four weeks. Care for children aged 6–12 is tentatively anticipated to resume beginning March 23, 2026.”

The letter goes on to state, “These timelines are subject to final licencing and operational readiness requirements. We understand the significant impact this may have on working families and want to assure you that all partners are working diligently to complete the transition as quickly and responsibly as possible.”

The DSB letter goes on to say that families will receive direct communication from DSB regarding next steps, including an opportunity to complete registration before enrollment is opened more broadly to the public. Updated timelines will also be shared as soon as they are confirmed.

“For families receiving fee subsidy, your subsidy approval remains in place,” the DSB adds.