Supporting Child Care Centres through Liam Riazati Memorial Fund: Funding for Temporary Concrete Safety Barriers

Ministry of Education
Early Years and Child Care Division
315 Front Street West, 11th Floor,
Toronto ON M7A 0B8

Date:                                     December 08, 2025

Memorandum To:      Child Care Centre Licensees

From:                                   Holly Moran
                                                  Assistant Deputy Minister
                                                  Early Years and Child Care Division

Subject:                             Supporting Child Care Centres through Liam Riazati Memorial Fund: Funding for Temporary Concrete Safety Barriers

Good morning,

Following the Minister’s September 15th communication regarding safety measures to protect against motor vehicle impacts, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your timely action and ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of the children and families you serve. Your efforts are deeply appreciated and reflect the vital role you play in Ontario’s child care community.

I am pleased to share that the Ministry of Education has dedicated $20 million in funding to help community-based child care centres access temporary concrete barriers. The new fund honours the life of Liam Riazati, a child who tragically passed away following a rare motor vehicle collision with a child care centre in September 2025.

Licensees who are located outside of publicly funded schools that are interested in acquiring temporary concrete barriers will be able to complete a simple application. You will not need to purchase barriers yourself. A pre-approved vendor will handle delivery and installation at no cost to the licensee. Additional details on the application process will be made available in the new year at Information for child care providers | ontario.ca 

This initiative is focused on centres that have not yet been able to install safety barriers. While we deeply appreciate the proactive steps taken by centres that already have safety barriers in place, related expenses will not be reimbursed, as the funding is directed toward outstanding safety needs across Ontario.
 
If you have concerns about child care programs located in publicly-funded schools, please reach out and discuss them with the school or school board.

Thank you for your continued dedication to keeping Ontario's children and families safe.

Sincerely,

Original signed by

 
Holly Moran
Assistant Deputy Minister
Early Years and Child Care Division


cc: Consolidated Municipal Service Managers and District Social Services
Administration Boards (CMSMs and DSSABs)
Early Years and Child Care Division Directors