By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has announced a significant shift in how Special Needs Resourcing (SNR) will be delivered in licensed child care settings, unveiling a new service model aimed at strengthening educator capacity, enhancing family engagement, and creating more inclusive classroom environments. As the provincially mandated children’s services system manager, the Municipality says the redesign aligns with evolving provincial practices and responds to major changes in the child care sector over the past several years.
As part of the transition, the Municipality will end its SNR service contract with Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports, a decision that will affect 39 positions at the multi-service children’s agency. The transition is expected to take place in mid-April. Municipal officials say the change reflects a shift toward a more flexible, classroom‑embedded model that mirrors approaches used in other Ontario municipalities.
Municipal leaders emphasized that parents and caregivers with children currently receiving support will see no interruption in service, and that the Municipality is working closely with Linck to ensure continuity throughout the transition. Families will also be engaged in future planning, with progression decisions made only when appropriate and supported by demonstrated success in the classroom.
The redesigned model introduces several new components intended to support all licensed child care programs and better respond to the diverse needs of children. Inclusion coaches will be hired to work directly with educators and supervisors inside child care programs, offering mentorship, observation, and practical strategies to help create inclusive environments for all children without requiring formal referrals. When programs need additional support to maintain inclusive environments, child care operators will receive direct funding to increase adult‑to‑child ratios and implement targeted strategies. In rare and complex cases, additional specialized supports may be coordinated, including external professionals or one‑to‑one assistance, delivered directly through the child care operator.
Under the new model, licensed child care operators will be funded directly to provide enhanced support services, while the Municipality’s Child Care and Early Years (CCEY) division will work closely with operators to deliver coaching, professional learning, and capacity‑building activities.
Municipal officials say the current SNR model, while created with positive intent, is no longer able to meet the growing and increasingly complex needs of the child care sector. Post‑pandemic pressures, staffing challenges, and the rollout of the Canada‑Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program have all contributed to the need for a more responsive and sustainable approach.
The Municipality also acknowledged the significant contributions of Linck staff, noting their long‑standing commitment to supporting children and families in Chatham-Kent. Linck will see a reduction of 24 full‑time, 6 contract, and 9 casual positions. Staff affected by the change will be offered support through the Municipality’s CK Jobs program, along with assistance navigating new positions created under the redesigned model.
Parents and caregivers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Child Care and Early Years division at 1‑866‑720‑7975 or ccey@chatham-kent.ca. Staff will respond and arrange time to discuss questions directly.
