Hastings County Council has approved rate increases for three child care providers in the county.
On Thursday, council passed a fee subsidy rate increase for this year, for Family Space Quinte Inc., Belleville Montessori, and the French language service, Conseil des Ecoles Catholiques du Centre-Est.
Each year providers may submit a request to increase rates; these rates are applicable to both full fee-paying families and families receiving subsidy.
The County monitors and audits rates yearly to ensure providers continue to offer affordable market rates to all families.
A report to council indicates the county has service agreements with 29 child care providers.
The Christmas Sharing Program was also approved.
Since 1967, Christmas Sharing has been an important part of supporting individuals in need in the City of Belleville.
Families in need of assistance can apply to the program that provides assistance to approximately 3,300 adults and children with food costs over the holiday season.
Council decided to direct staff to enter into an agreement with Christmas Sharing for use of common space at various social housing properties in Hastings County and indicated the warden and clerk be authorized to sign a Letter of Understanding with Christmas Sharing as required.
