Fort Frances, Ontario – 2025/11/25 – The District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) is pleased to announce the release of its Child Care & Early Years Service System Plan 2026–2030, setting a clear, community-informed direction for an inclusive, accessible, and high-quality early years and child care system across the Rainy River District.

The plan builds on a strong foundation of high parent satisfaction and the dedication of early years professionals who create safe, nurturing environments where children can learn and grow.

It outlines five priorities for the next five years: improving access to services, investing in the early years workforce, strengthening inclusion for equity-deserving families, maintaining high-quality and consistent services, and deepening partnerships across the District. These priorities will help shape how services grow and improve over time by supporting long-term workforce sustainability, enhancing coordination across programs, and ensuring families in all parts of the District can benefit from a stronger, more responsive system.

Despite ongoing pressures in the early learning and child care sector, DRRSB remains positive and committed to strengthening services for children and families through collaboration and a coordinated approach.

“Children’s Services in the Rainy River District is supported by dedicated professionals and a community that cares deeply about its children,” said Tanis Fretter, Children’s Services and Income Support Manager. “This plan reflects what we heard from our community and gives us a clear path forward to strengthen access, inclusion, and high-quality services for families.”

The Child Care & Early Years Service System Plan 2026–2030 is available on the DRRSB website. DRRSB extends sincere appreciation to the more than 300 parents, caregivers, educators, employers, and community members whose input helped shape the plan, and looks forward to continued collaboration with partners across the District.