After child care regulation changes, it is the intention of the UGDSB to cancel the long running Teddy Bear Playschool Program at ODSS run by Gina Brusch. This program has provided ODSS students with an incredible opportunity to interact and work with preschool aged children one on one. These young adults are not only learning life skills that will help make them better and more responsible contributing members of society, it is also a hands-on experience working with children at a time when they must make difficult decisions about their own future education, occupation and life choices.

Under the guidance of an incredibly compassionate and experienced mentor like Gina Brusch this program not only provides the high school students with an immeasurable life experience, it also provides the preschoolers with an exceptional level of care and attention in a safe and fun environment.

This program has run for over 30 years with a flawless safety rating. To cancel it would be a huge disservice to the ODSS students, the preschoolers and the parents and community of Orangeville. Teddy Bear Playschool offers young and single wage earning families with an opportunity to place their child in a preschool setting at a price that is affordable.

We ask that the UGDSB please consider the options of hiring an ECE and attaining the CCEYA certification and raising the yearly fee or apply for an exemption to the CCEYA to allow this great program to continue as an alternative to canceling the program.

If you are interested in writing a letter of support to the UGDSB or joining us for the delegation at the UGDSB meeting in Guelph on February 7th please email me at ichewbugs@yahoo.ca.

Thanks for your support!

Tricia Hebert