2017 Priority Operating Fund Guideline - Peel Region Licensed Child Care Providers July 2017 - Region of Peel
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2017 Priority Operating Fund
Guideline
Peel Region Licensed Child Care Providers
July 2017
Released July 31, 2017Table of Contents
Introduction .........................................................................................................................3
2017 Approach for POF ......................................................................................................3
2017 Objective ....................................................................................................................4
Outcomes ...........................................................................................................................4
Guiding Principles for Providers ..........................................................................................4
Eligibility Criteria .................................................................................................................5
Spending Parameters .........................................................................................................5
Staffing Descriptions ...........................................................................................................7
Eligible Expenses ...............................................................................................................8
Ineligible Expenses .............................................................................................................9
Guidelines for Providers to Distribute POF to Staff ..............................................................9
Reconciliation and Reporting Requirements – POF and Historical Allocation ....................11
Audit Approach .................................................................................................................12
Appendix 1 – Instructions for POF Distribution Policy and Staff Communication Letter ......13
Appendix 2 – POF Model ..................................................................................................16
2Introduction
Under the new Provincial funding formula and framework for licensed child care released in 2013, the
Province introduced a new broad General Operating Fund that replaces all historical wage related
funding programs including Wage Subsidy, Best Start Wage Subsidy and Best Start Wage
Improvement.
The General Operating Fund (GOF) is a key component of Peel’s Early Learning and Child Care
Funding and Policy Framework. The GOF will support stability of Peel’s Early Years and Child Care
System by assisting providers with the cost of delivering licensed child care to children ages 0 to 12
years with a priority focus on serving the younger age groups (birth to 3.8 years) and non-profit
providers per Provincial direction.
The GOF consists of three funding streams:
Historical Allocation – available to providers who received the former Wage Subsidy in 2015.
This funding is intended to support the salaries and benefits of child care staff.
Mitigation Fund – available to eligible licensed child care providers throughout the year on a
one-time basis to help support unforeseen pressures/costs that impact ongoing viability,
pending the Region’s approval of a provider’s application and subject to the availability of
funds.
Priority Operating Fund (POF) – supports eligible providers with operating costs and prioritizes
younger age groups and non-profit providers with a primary focus in 2016-17 on supporting
staff wages and benefits to enable the retention of qualified staff, and enhancing payments to
home child care providers.
The purpose of this guideline is to provide licensed child care providers with key information regarding
the Priority Operating Fund (POF) for 2017. Sections in the guideline that include either new
information or significant changes are flagged for your attention with the following symbol:
2017 Approach for POF
This year’s transitional approach builds on the Interim 2016 approach and reflects regional and
provincial direction and provider feedback. As a result, changes have been made to eligible
expenses, spending parameters, and the distribution policy/communication to staff. In addition,
the Reconciliation package has been revised to include both the POF and Historical Allocation
reconciliations.
POF is a component of a broader EYCC Funding Accountability Framework which continues
to evolve in line with new regional and provincial initiatives such as Ontario’s Renewed Early
Years and Child Care Framework, Minimum Wage Increases and For-Profit Auspice
Threshold.
3A Look Ahead to 2018 POF
Work is underway on the development of the 2018 POF with plans to release the guideline later
this year. Here are a few highlights:
An interim approach will be implemented in order to assess the implications of evolving
provincial direction e.g. Minimum Wage Increase and For-Profit Auspice Threshold.
POF will undergo a name change and be renamed as the General Operating Fund. This
change reflects provider feedback on the need to simplify funding streams.
More details will be available on the 2018 approach in the coming months.
2017 Objective
Peel’s EYCC Funding Policy and Framework includes three core priorities: stabilize the EYCC System,
enhance EYCC funding accountability and increase parental choice and access to licensed child care.
The purpose of the POF is to support providers with the costs of operating licensed child care
programs in order to stabilize Peel’s EYCC system.
Outcomes
POF will support stability of Peel’s EYCC system by assisting licensed child care providers with:
Retention of qualified staff by enhancing wages and benefits in both centre and home-based
programs, and enhancing payments to home child care providers;
Affordability of child care to support access for younger children; and
Viability of child care programs.
Guiding Principles for Providers
Providers should consider the following guiding principles when determining how to allocate their
POF:
Enhance Wages and Benefits
Providers are required to develop and communicate a transparent distribution policy to all
eligible positions in a manner that is equitable and meets the needs of the organization.
Stability
Providers should allocate POF in such a way to enhance the quality of the licensed EYCC
program being offered.
Affordability
Providers are encouraged to use POF to keep programs affordable for families.
4Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to receive POF, providers are required to satisfy the following requirements:
Be a licensed child care provider (non-profit or for-profit) or licensed home child care agency in
Peel Region and have reported May 31, 2017 operating capacity in the Region’s EYCC Funds
Management Technology System.
Have met the following requirements under Peel’s Funding and Policy Framework:
o Engagement in continuous quality enhancement practices;
o Inclusion of children with special needs by participating in Peel Inclusion Resource
Services (PIRS); and
o Inclusion of children in receipt of fee subsidy through a Purchase of Services
Agreement.
Be able to meet minimum wage and mandatory benefits requirements without funding from the
Region of Peel.
Have sound business management practices and be in good standing with respect to
financial/contract reporting requirements for all funds provided by the Region of Peel.
Spending Parameters
The attached funding letter outlines your agency’s eligibility and spending parameters. Support from an
Early Years Specialist is available to answer any questions you might have.
The 2017 spending parameters have been updated to:
1. Include administration/bookkeeping expenses as an eligible expense category, where
providers are able to use a maximum of 10% of their total POF allocation for administration
expenses.
2. Increase the proportion of POF that eligible for-profit providers may use to support operating
expenses. Eligible for-profit providers will be required to use a minimum of 70% of their POF
allocation towards staff wages and benefits and up to 30% on eligible operating expenses.
3. Implement a RECE Wage/Rate Matrix, where providers (non-profit and for-profit) that have
high daily rates and low staff wages will be required to use a minimum of 90% of their POF
allocation towards staff wages and benefits. The remaining 10% may be used towards
administration/bookkeeping expenses.
To further support the information in this guideline, the Region will be holding 2017 POF Information
Sessions via teleconference in August and September. An invitation is included with the Guideline.
Provider Categories
1. Non-Profit Providers
Eligible non-profit providers are required to use their POF allocation as follows:
1. Maintain at a minimum their 2015 Wage Improvement allocation to support staff wages and
benefits, unless otherwise notified by the Region; and
2. Any POF remaining once the above requirement has been met may be used to support other
operating costs based on eligible expenses outlined in this guideline or further support staff
wages and benefits.
52. For-Profit Providers
Eligible for-profit providers are required to use their POF allocation as follows:
Use whichever is greater, a minimum of 70% of their total POF allocation or their 2015 Wage
Improvement allocation, towards staff wages and benefits, unless otherwise notified by the
Region.
Providers who did not receive a 2015 Wage Improvement allocation are required to use a
minimum of 70% of their total POF allocation towards staff wages and benefits.
Once the above requirement has been met, any remaining POF may be used to support other
operating costs based on eligible expenses outlined in this guideline, or further support staff
wages and benefits, or as otherwise notified by the Region. Note this amount may not
exceed a maximum of 30% of a for-profit provider’s total POF allocation as well as the
following:
o The other operating cost component (maximum of 30% POF allocation) is capped at a
maximum of $150,000 per provider.
o This cap applies as one limit to all centres/agencies which are related in ownership (i.e.
persons, partnerships or corporations which are parent, subsidiary or associated one to
another) and/or owned by the same beneficial owner(s).
o Any amount over the $150,000 cap must be applied towards wages/benefits.
For-profit providers may not use their POF allocation to contribute (directly or indirectly) to
their surplus/profit/retained earnings, etc. All POF must be invested into the program in
alignment to the outcomes and expenses outlined in this guideline.
3. Providers identified by the RECE Wage/Rate Matrix
Providers (non-profit and for-profit) with RECE wages in the lowest 25th percentile and daily rates in
the top 25th percentile (in one or more age groupings) are required to use their POF allocation as
follows:
1. Allocate a minimum of 90% of their POF allocation for staff wages and benefits.
2. Any remaining POF, up to a maximum of 10% may be used to support administration/
bookkeeping expenses, or further support staff wages and benefits.
The 2017 approach is intended to further advance the POF outcome to enhance staff wages and
benefits in licensed child care settings and recognizes the need to help offset expenses related to
Regional reporting requirements.
Note: Home Child Care agencies will also use their POF allocation to enhance payments to home
child care providers.
6Staffing Descriptions
Permanent full-time or part-time positons are eligible to receive POF. Providers are not required to
distribute funding to former staff/providers who were previously employed with the agency in 2017.
Eligible positons include as follows:
Supervisors
Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE)
Early Childhood Assistants
Director-approved Program Staff (take the place of an RECE)(e.g. Montessori Teachers)
Cooks
Bus Drivers
Home Child Care Supervisors (supervise Home Child Care Visitors)
Home Child Care Providers
Home Child Care Visitors
Owner/Manager - only for the time spent in another position (e.g. Supervisor) to support ratios,
as per Child Care Early Years Act, 2014 licensing standards.
Note: Supply staff (regular casual employment status) and permanent summer staff that work for
numerous weeks each year to cover ratios are also eligible to receive POF.
Note: staff listed as ‘eligible’ are required to sign the Staff Communication Letter as described in
Appendix 1.2 on pg. 15 of the guideline.
Ineligible positions include:
Owners, who do not occupy another eligible position/title at the agency/organization
Special Needs Resourcing Staff
Maintenance or Janitorial Staff
Summer Students
Fee for service contracts (including Temporary Staffing Agencies)
POF may only be used to offset salary costs over and above a provider’s regulatory requirements for
minimum wage and mandatory benefits. As of October 1, 2016, the minimum wage in Ontario is
$11.40 per hour. The Ministry of Labour has announced that wages will increase to $11.60 per hour
starting October 1, 2017, with further increases planned for 2018 and 2019.
7Eligible Expenses
The 2017 POF will be used primarily to improve staff wages/benefits, and where funds allow, enhance
programs and offset existing 2017 costs. This funding may be used for ongoing costs incurred
between January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017.
Eligible providers are required to first determine the staff allocation portion. Any remaining funds may
be used to offset eligible expenses in one or more of the other categories as listed below.
Eligible Expenses
Expense Category Description
Staff wages and Enhance wages and benefits of staff (over-and-above existing
benefits wages, and provider’s regulatory requirements for minimum
wage) including mandatory and non-mandatory benefits.
Enhance payments to Home Child Care Providers.
Providers are not required to distribute funding to former
staff/providers who were previously employed with the agency
in 2017.
Program related Commercial grade supplies, books and toys which support the
supplies and resources development and curiosity of children and encourage
exploration, play and inquiry e.g. art material, blocks, musical
instruments, sensory material, etc.
EYS consultation is available but not required.
Lease/rental costs, and Occupancy costs including: lease or property rentals and
utilities utilities including hydro, gas, waste management, water, etc.
Food/Nutrition Grocery and catering costs, healthy eating consultations by
registered dietitian for menu planning.
Professional development for Home Child Care providers (e.g.
healthy eating and menu planning).
Transportation of Vehicle lease, insurance and gas costs for vehicles used for
children in centre based the transportation of children.
programs
Audit costs resulting Incremental audit costs such as cost of utilization report,
from Region of Peel audited financial statements, etc. (incurred as a result of
reporting requirements* Region of Peel reporting requirements). Please note, detailed
invoices may be requested to verify amounts claimed.
Administration/ Incremental administration/bookkeeping costs incurred as a
Bookkeeping result of the receipt of Region of Peel funding or reporting
requirements e.g. OCCMS fee subsidy reporting, POF
reporting and reconciliation, Wage Enhancement (over and
above funding received to support WEG administration).
*Note: for eligible providers only
8Ineligible Expenses
POF may not be used for the following expenses:
Ineligible Expenses
Expenditure Category Description
Staff reimbursements/costs Retiring bonuses, gifts and honoraria paid to staff, staff
(including Administrator or owner) travel costs, staff uniform
costs, etc.
Debt costs Principal and interest payments related to capital loans,
mortgage financing, tax liabilities, and operating loans.
Property taxes Municipal taxes levies (Currently under Review by the Ministry
of Education).
Non-arm’s length A transaction occurs at non-arm’s length when it is between
transactions not transacted two individuals who are related by blood, marriage, common-
at fair market value law partnership or adoption. When this occurs, the transaction
would require additional documentation to ensure it has
occurred at fair market value.
Professional organization Fees paid as a condition of employment such as annual
fees and other fees membership fees for the College of Early Childhood
Educators and vulnerable sector/criminal reference checks.
Others fees include Ministry of Education licensing,
playground inspection/water lead sampling, and Food Handler
certificate costs.
Costs supported through Repairs and Maintenance costs, Training and Professional
other Region of Peel Education, Transformation and Mitigation Funding.
Funding streams
Note: This is not an exhaustive list and any other expenditure not listed under the allowable expenses
section is considered non-admissible. For questions about eligible and ineligible expenses, please
email EarlyYearsSystemDivision@peelregion.ca
Guidelines for Providers to Distribute POF to Staff
POF is intended to support the stability of Peel’s EYCC system through the retention of qualified staff
by enhancing wages and benefits in both centre and home-based programs, and enhancing payments
to home child care providers.
In order to issue the staff portion of the allocation, providers are required to develop a transparent
method of communicating and distributing POF to eligible positions in a manner that is equitable and
meets the needs of the organization. In order to receive your POF allocation, providers are required to
develop and submit the following to the Region for approval by September 15, 2017:
1. Distribution policy; and
2. Communication letter.
Please refer to Appendix 1 and the attached excel spreadsheet for more information. A timeline
overview of the POF process is included on page 10.
92017 PRIORITY OPERATING FUND TIMELINE
July August / September September / October October / November December 2018
Release Guideline, Issue Contract
Allocation Letters, Amendment Issue
REGION OF PEEL
Reconciliation payment to
package and provider
resources
Early Years
Specialist to review,
provide feedback
and approve the
distribution policy/
communication letter
Sign and Present approved
Use Allocation Letter to communication
return
develop distribution letter to staff by
Contract
policy (Appendix 1) November 30th
Amendment
Submit staff
Use distribution policy
PROVIDER
Obtain staff signed
to inform signatures on the communication
communication letter to communication letter Distribute funds letter to the
staff (Appendix 1) and retain a copy of to staff by Region as part
the letter to submit December 31st of the 2017
with Reconciliation POF
Report Reconciliation
Submit distribution policy Report
and communication letter to
EarlyYearsSystemDivision
@peelregion.ca for
approval by Sept. 15th
10Reconciliation and Reporting Requirements – POF and Historical Allocation
Overview
Reconciliation and reporting requirements have been updated in response to provider feedback and
lessons learned from 2016 POF. The changes include:
A streamlined reconciliation report; in order to reduce duplication the report allows providers to
complete reconciliation for both POF and Historical Allocation;
Detailed instructions on additional documents required, e.g. a copy of the approved Staff
Communication Letter with staff signatures; and
Revised reporting requirements i.e. providers are not required to report the ‘average wage
increase excluding benefits and staffing details for staff no longer with the agency.
Providers will receive the Reconciliation and Reporting package after the Region approves their
Distribution Policy and Staff Communication Letter.
The Region will monitor POF expenses, benchmarks, and outcomes through a review of the 2017
Reconciliation and Reporting package, which is due in 2018.
2017 Required Documentation
Providers are required to submit/complete Audited Financial Statements or Un-audited Financial
Statements according to the following criteria:
If a provider receives funding which total is equal to or greater than $20,000 and less than
$150,000 based on a combination of their General Operating Fund, Fee Subsidy, Pay Equity, Child
Care Expansion Plan and Canada-Ontario Early Learning and Child Care Agreement they must
provide:
Un-Audited Financial Statements, including a sub-schedule that breaks down information
by site, if a multiple site provider; and any accompanying notes.
If a provider receives funding which total is equal to or greater than $150,000 based on a
combination of their General Operating Fund, Fee Subsidy, Pay Equity, Child Care Expansion Plan
and Canada-Ontario Early Learning and Child Care Agreement they must provide:
Audited Financial Statements, including a sub-schedule that breaks down information by
site, if a multiple site provider; and any accompanying notes.
Note:
An Audited Financial Statement must include a copy of the signed General Operating Fund
Utilization Statement or accompanied by a Third Party Letter to support the distribution of GOF
for the purpose intended. This letter must be signed by an Auditor.
Financial Statements are due to the Region of Peel no later than 4 months following the end of
the provider’s fiscal year end.
The Region of Peel prefers that providers submit Audited Financial Statements if they are
available regardless of the amount of funding provided by the Region.
11Information Updates
Providers are required to report any significant increase or decrease in service levels i.e. 25% or more
and/or staffing for all age groupings that are not temporary in nature by email at
EarlyYearsSystemDivision@peelregion.ca and notify your Early Years Specialist as soon as the
change is known.
In the event the funds are not used for the purpose intended, or if there are unspent funds or a closure
of an agency, all 2017 POF funds must be returned to the Region of Peel as outlined in the Ontario
Child Care Service Management and Funding Guideline 2017.
Audit Approach
Service providers are not required to submit receipts/invoices as part of their POF reconciliation;
however, please ensure your agency is prepared to provide this documentation in the event they are
requested by the Region of Peel.
As part of both the Provincial and the Region of Peel funding verification processes, providers are
required to keep all original receipts/expenditure documentation for a minimum of 7 years.
Through the Region of Peel’s audit selection process, service providers may be contacted to complete
a review of the POF expenses identified in your annual Reconciliation Report.
Note:
The Region of Peel may conduct site visits to confirm that funding was used for the approved
purpose(s).
The Region is reviewing its audit framework and may make changes in 2018.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about 2017 Priority Operating Fund, please contact us at:
EarlyYearsSystemDivision@peelregion.ca
Providers may also visit Children's Services - Working with Children - Resources and Links for Service
Providers and Other Professionals for additional information.
12Appendix 1 – Instructions for POF Distribution Policy and Staff Communication
Letter
Steps Details
1. Review your POF Allocation Confirm the minimum amount to be allocated to staff wages/benefits.
Letter, Guideline and Note: providers may choose to use up to 100% of POF for staff wages.
resources Note: POF may only be used to offset salary costs over and above a
provider’s regulatory requirements for minimum wage and mandatory benefits.
2. Establish a clear staff Consider the following questions to inform your distribution policy:
retention objective based on o What is our retention objective?
the needs of your organization o What positions do we want to retain e.g. prioritize RECE’s?
o Will supply staff receive POF? How do they fit with our retention
objective?
o Will eligible staff receive a base amount?
o Will eligible staff receive a premium to support the retention
objective? Eligible premiums may include:
Staff qualifications e.g.: RECEs
Seniority
Increasing low wages/addressing wage compression
o What is the dollar value for a base amount and each premium?
Note: If staff are unionized, you will need to consider the terms of your
Collective Agreement.
Note: Providers may choose to use POF to offset wage compression issues
(for eligible positions) due to WEG and/or provincial increases to minimum
wage. For more information see the 2017 POF Q&A.
3. Develop your distribution Use the attached excel spreadsheet described on pg. 14.
policy Note: Home child care agencies are required to report payments to providers
separately however, provider signatures are not required.
4. Use your distribution policy to Use the attached excel spreadsheet described on pg. 15 to develop your
inform your staff staff communication letter. This letter must align with your distribution
communication letter policy (Appendix 1.1)
5. Submit distribution policy and Submit both documents to: EarlyYearsSystemDivision@peelregion.ca
staff communication letter to EYS will review, provide feedback and approve your policy and letter.
the Region for approval by Upon approval, finalize your distribution policy and staff communication
September 15, 2017. letter.
6. Present the communication Have all eligible staff sign the communication letter regardless if they
letter to all eligible staff and receive POF, to acknowledge that have been made aware of the
obtain staff signatures before distribution policy. Note: all staff listed under eligible positions on pg. 6
November 30, 2017 are required to sign the communication list.
7. Distribute funds by Distribute POF funds to eligible staff as outline in your distribution policy
December 31, 2017 by December 31, 2017.
8. Submit signed staff Submit a copy of the signed staff communication letter to
communication letter as part of EarlyYearsSystemDivision@peelregion.ca with your completed 2017
the POF Reconciliation Report POF Reconciliation report.
in 2018
13Appendix 1.1 – Distribution Policy
Providers are required to:
1. Use the attached excel spreadsheet (as described below) to develop a Distribution Policy which will be used to inform
the Staff Communication Letter (Appendix 1.2).
2. Submit your draft Distribution Policy and Staff Communication Letter to the Region for approval by September 15,
2017.
Note: Providers will only communicate the Distribution Policy to staff through the Staff Communication Letter. The form
described below is for provider use only and does need to be shared with staff.
Insert Service Provider Legal/Operating Name:
1. Total gross POF allocation toward staff wages/benefits (includes mandatory employer contributions):
$ (insert amount)
2. Describe your staffing retention objective: (e.g. retain Supervisor/leadership role, retain RECEs, increase staff
wages across all positions, etc.)
3. In the table below please outline how you are distributing the funds by position. This distribution method should
align with your retention objective as described above. Note: the amounts listed below should include mandatory
employer contributions resulting from increased wage and benefit costs related to the POF.
List each Number 1. Base POF Premiums (if applicable)
eligible staff of Amount for
position (not FTEs total hours 2. 3. Seniority 4. Other: Total
staff worked Qualifications Insert Criteria e.g. # of years Low gross
names) e.g. (if applicable) # yrs # yrs # yrs Wages/Wage per
all RECE Parity position
positions
Supervisor $ $ $ $ $ $ $
RECE
Director
Approved
Director
Approved
Program
staff w/o
ECE
Program
staff w/o
ECE
Non
program
Note: Supply staff (regular casual employment status) are also eligible to receive POF if part of your retention objective.
Early Years Specialist Signature:________________________________
Date Approved: ______________________________________________
14Appendix 1.2 – Staff Communication Letter
Providers are required to:
1. Use the attached excel spreadsheet (as described below) to develop a Staff Communication Letter to describe your
Distribution Policy to staff.
Note: Providers may use a percentage or dollar figure to complete each relevant section i.e.: 10% or $5,000 will be
allocated as a base amount, 20% or $10,000 will be allocated towards qualifications etc.
2. Submit the Staff Communication Letter with your Distribution Policy to the Region for approval by September 15, 2017.
3. Present the approved Staff Communication Letter to eligible staff (as listed on pg. 6) for signature by November 30,
2017.
4. Submit a copy of the signed Staff Communication Letter with your completed POF Reconciliation package (2018).
Insert date
To all eligible staff,
(Service Provider Legal/Operating Name) has been approved by the Region of Peel to receive the Priority Operating
Fund. This fund is intended to support the stability of Peel’s Early Years and Child Care system through the retention of
qualified staff by enhancing wages and benefits in both centre and home-based programs, and enhancing payments to
home child care providers. The funds must be distributed to staff by December 31, 2017.
Total Priority Operating Fund allocation for staff wages and benefits is: $(insert gross amount). These funds will be
allocated toward staff wages/benefits and mandatory employer contributions as described below.
1. Base amount (box 1 Appendix 1.1): describe how much will be allocated through base funding, how it was
calculated e.g. total number of hours worked and which positions are eligible e.g. all eligible staff, supply staff etc.
2. Qualifications (box 2 Appendix 1.1): describe how much will be allocated based on qualifications e.g. level of
responsibility, roles, and which positions are eligible e.g. Supervisor, RECE etc.
3. Seniority (box 3 Appendix 1.1): describe how much will be allocated based on seniority and on what criteria e.g.
0 – 3 years, 3 – 5 years, etc. and which positions are eligible e.g. all staff, supply staff.
4. Low Wages/Wage Parity (box 4 Appendix 1.1): describe how much will be allocated, your objective e.g. enhance
wages of staff not eligible for wage enhancement, maintain wage parity between positions, offset wage compression
pressures as a result of the minimum wage increase (see the 2017 POF Q&A for more information), and which
positions are eligible e.g. low wage positions, positions above the minimum wage.
By signing this letter we acknowledge that we have read and understand how the Priority Operating Fund will be
distributed. (Signed by eligible staff listed on page 6 of the guideline)
Early Years Specialist Signature:________________________________
Date Approved: ______________________________________________
15Appendix 2 – POF Model
The POF is:
Based on a points system that is responsive and predictable
Reflects the relative cost associated with providing programs for younger age groups
Prioritizes infant, toddler and preschool age groups
Based on updated enrolment data collected as of May 31, 2017 to reflect the current system in
peel region
Prioritizes non-profits providers, as per Provincial policy
The POF allocation is based on two components:
1. The main component of POF is determined through a points system which factors in:
The number of hours a day the program operates;
The number of months a year the program operates; and
The operating capacity of the program.
2. Providers may receive additional POF through priority grants. Working with its community
partners, the Region of Peel has identified two priority grants at this time:
Infant and Toddler Space Incentive – Infant and toddler programs will receive
additional funding based on the Provincial requirements for staff to child ratio.
Non-profit Incentive – per Provincial policy, non-profit providers have been prioritized
for funding through the General Operating Fund and will receive additional POF
through this priority.
POF Points System
Uses a calculation based on the operating capacity and the number of points per space
Points increase to reflect the higher costs of the ratio of adult to child in infant and toddler age
groups
Program Age Groups Points per X Operating
Space Capacity
Centre Based Infant 36
Toddler 24
Preschool 15
Kindergarten 0
School Age 0
Home Child Care Average daily 11.5 Average
enrollment Monthly
Enrollment
16POF Definitions
a) Operating Capacity: The number of children the program is staffed for on an ongoing basis.
Operating capacity may be less than licensed capacity; however, cannot exceed the licensed
capacity.
b) Number of Months/Hours of Care: The number of months the program operates in a year for
each age group. For shorter programs, such as part-time kindergarten or school-age care, the
hours of care and number of months will vary based on the program.
Statutory holidays should be included in both the enrolment days and operating days.
c) Range: The range is based on the number of hours the program operates in a week.
Number of Operating Hours Assigned Range
1 – 9 hours per week 8
10 – 19 hours per week 4
20 – 30 hours per week 3
31 - 39 hours per week 2
39 or more hours per week 1
d) Points per Space: The number of points assigned to each age group. The dollar per point value
will be assigned by the Region.
e) Licensed Centre Based calculation:
(Operating Capacity x Points per Space x Months Open) / (Divided by Range) = Total POF points
Total POF points x $ per point = POF funding allocation (main component)
f) Licensed Home Child Care calculation is based on:
i. the number of contracted home child care providers
ii. the average daily enrolment for the previous 12 months (Total # of actual days of service
provided in the previous 12 months divided by total # of operating days in the previous 12
months).
g) Home Child Care Funding Calculation:
Average daily enrolment in previous 12 months x points per space x # of months open = total POF
points.
Total POF points x $ per point = POF funding allocation (main component)
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