10.3 Play Based Material and Equipment Funding

POLICY

The Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB will provide Play Based Material and Equipment Funding to approved non-profit child care service providers based on priority and available funds. Eligible licensees must be enrolled in the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care System (CWELCC) or exclusively serve children aged 6 to 12 to access funding.

Funding is intended to help approved non-profit child care operators to create and maintain enriching environments both indoors and outdoors with open ended materials that promote children’s exploration and learning through play, consistent with the views, four foundations and pedagogical approaches of How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.

Play Based Material and Equipment funding may also be used to purchase non‐ consumable supplies/equipment that supports the regular operation of the child care program.
 

PROCEDURE

The allocation of funds shall be determined based on funding availability and organizational priorities. Utilization of funds must align with pedagogical approaches that emphasize learning through play. 

Priority shall be given to materials and equipment that promote active engagement, exploration, and creativity in children. Allocations should support inquiry-based, collaborative, and play-centered learning environments, demonstrating a clear connection to quality early learning principles. 

1. The Manitoulin Sudbury DSB will allocate funding annually based on available resources and program priorities.
2. Allocated funds must be used for play-based materials and equipment that align with pedagogical approaches emphasizing learning through play and quality programming goals. The DSB may request additional information to ensure alignment with these objectives.
3. The DSB will monitor and reconcile any funds not utilized within the timeline indicated within the contract for funds.
4. Organizations that receive funding shall keep a record of expenditures and receipts for a minimum of 7 years. Organizations shall provide a record of expenditures upon the request of the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board within 10 business days.