Carleton Place childcare fees increase tied to inflation and rising demand for school-age programs
CARLETON PLACE — Carleton Place families using the town’s school-age childcare programs will see a modest fee increase later this year after council approved a 2.1 per cent adjustment.
Council approved the increase during the March 10 committee of the whole meeting, with the new rates scheduled to take effect June 1, 2026.
The increase applies only to school-age programs operated through Carleton Place Childcare Services. Fees for children up to age five remain frozen under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
Town staff said the adjustment reflects the Consumer Price Index and is intended to help offset rising operating costs.
Treasurer Trisa McConkey said the increase in staffing is tied to growing demand for childcare spaces.
“So the 41 per cent staffing increase was directly offset by attendance fees. The staffing went up because the number of children we served went up,” McConkey explained.
Officials said the town continues to offer competitive wages to attract and retain qualified early childhood educators.
The increase is expected to generate about $19,200 in additional annual revenue to support childcare operations while maintaining current service levels for families.
Meanwhile, an expansion of the town daycare is currently in the planning stages. Once completed, the facility could accommodate up to 26 kindergarten children and 60 school-age children.
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