KAWARTHA LAKES-Compass Early Learning & Care (Compass ELC) announced child care expansion in Kirkfield, Ontario. As the newest owner of 1047 Portage Road, which was previously owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough, and before that, the site of St. John Catholic Elementary School, Compass ELC is making plans to open a child care program for infants, toddler and preschoolers in the area. Officials say renovations will begin shortly, with Request for Proposals being tendered this fall, and an anticipated opening in 2025.
Partnering with the City of Kawartha Lakes, Compass ELC will be supporting the Kirkfield community which was identified as the number one priority area based on lack of access to licensed childcare, and the needs in the surrounding area. The program will operate 10 infant spaces (0 – 18 months), 15 toddler spaces (18 – 30 months) and 24 preschool spaces (30 months to 6 years) for a total of 49 spaces.
“We are so fortunate to have such strong and capable partners willing and able to bring forward this project and we already know that the children will receive the highest quality and excellent care while in the hands of the Compass family,” said Janine Mitchell, Manager of Human Services, when sharing the news with the Mayor and Councillor Members.
This project, while in its initial stages, has received enthusiastic support from the City of Kawartha Lakes. “We couldn’t have done it without the support from our Community Partners, such as the wonderful Children Services team and other City staff such as the Planning and Building department staff,” shared Jill Wickins, Organizational Link for Operations with Compass ELC.
Compass ELC acknowledged Cheyenne Weatherall, a Kirkfield resident and Compass ELC team member who sensed a need in the community and initiated a proposal when she saw the property was put up for sale.
“We believe that all communities deserve access to high-quality, affordable early learning and care and as a Not-for-Profit enrolled in the Canada Wide Early Learning & Child Care $10/day child care plan, we are excited to expand access to Kirkfield and the surrounding communities. We are grateful to work collaboratively with so many caring team members, including our Board of Directors, and the City of Kawartha Lakes staff to support the communities we serve,” said Ashley Collins, Co-CEO of Compass ELC.
The expansion also means Compass ELC is seeking passionate and dynamic Early Childhood Educators and support staff in the area who are interested in joining the team. Interested candidates can apply to: careers@compasselc.com. Details about a waitlist list and registration for families will be available in 2025 once a projected opening date has been established.
Compass ELC is a not-for-profit network of over 700 employees and 80 home child care providers, together serving over 5,000 families in Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Durham and Northumberland.
