In 2018, Ontario is investing $784 million in 79 new and renovated schools across the province to create better learning environments and more licensed child care spaces.

The funding will go towards the construction of 39 brand new schools and 40 major renovations and additions to existing schools across Ontario. These projects will also include the construction of 157 new child care rooms with more than 2,700 licensed child care spaces for children aged 0 to 4, providing parents with safe and affordable child care closer to home.

“Schools are a natural fit for licensed child care spaces. They provide families with access to safe, high-quality care in a convenient setting, and offer young children the opportunity to transition into full-day kindergarten in a familiar environment,” said Indira Naidoo-Harris, Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care, in a press release.

Ontario has also committed to investing up to $1.6 billion in new capital funding over five years to support the creation of 45,000 new licensed child care spaces in schools, other public spaces and communities.