Looking for local supporters and families that are struggling to find child care in Sunderland, especially before and after care at the school to share their story in writing to help advocate for more child care options and spots in Sunderland. I have started to communicate with higher ups about these concerns as its hitting my home pretty hard and I'm sure I'm not alone. I didn't get a spot this year and have been on thw waitlist since summer 2021. Please reach out to me to help fight for more child care! Thank you in advance.

I am a local Sunderland resident, and my child has been on the waitlist for the Sunderland Public School's before and after school child care program and the yet to be built daycare since summer 2021. He is set to attend Junior Kindergarten this fall, but despite being high on the waiting list, we were unable to secure a spot.  There is also limited to no daycare options for preschool aged children.  Both of which has forced us to apply for out-of-area schools and daycares 25 minutes away from our home simply to find adequate child care.

This issue does not only affect me. Many parents in Sunderland, including those with children who have siblings already attending the program did not get a spot. Sunderland Public School is the heart of our small community, and many families depend on it for more than just education - it's a crucial part of our child care network. Without adequate before and after school care and preschool aged care options, parents are left scrambling, driving long distances and worrying about the quality and reliability of their child care arrangements.

In Sunderland, it's crucial we have access to local and reliable child care solutions. The pressure on families without these services can be immense, affecting our work-life balance and peace of mind. This situation calls for immediate attention from school authorities and local policymakers to increase the capacity of child care services at our schools and in our communities.

We need to gather and share our stories to highlight the urgent need for expanded child care resources in our community. If you've experienced hardships in finding before or after school care at Sunderland Public School and/or local daycare options for preschool aged children and had to make compromises to make life work, please sign this petition. Together, we can advocate for a meaningful change that supports all Sunderland families.

Please sign this petition to make our voices heard by the Durham District School Board, Region of Durham and Ministry of Education and advocate for better child care solutions. Your stories and support will be invaluable in driving this change.