About ADCO - ADCO :: The Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario

Vision
The Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario (ADCO) envisions an Ontario where families have a range of parental and non-parental child care and education choices, with access to affordable, high quality child development services.

Mission
The Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario (ADCO) provides a forum for the owners and managers of Ontario's independent licensed child care programs to work together to achieve common goals.

History
In 1974 a group of operators got together with the intention of starting some kind of networking group. In 1977, the Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario was incorporated.

Our mandate then and now is to:

Promote the interests of the independent child care providers in Ontario.
Present the public with a united and strong voice for independent child care providers.
Enhance public understanding of the importance of child care quality, and parental choice and value for taxpayers in child care policy.
Communicate regularly with the various governments and government agencies that determine child care policy.
Foster positive relationships and mutual understanding between our members and other providers of services for children and families.
Arrange group benefits for our membership wherever possible.

As a group we have accomplished a great deal in our nearly 30 years of operation. In the 1990's, ADCO played a big role in ensuring that the staff, working in the independent sector, receive some benefits under the wage enhancement program. We continue to work hard to achieve equity for all staff working in childcare under this program. The 1990's also saw ADCO launch its annual Kids Helping Kids Walkathon, which raises funds to support Ontario's four children's hospitals. By 2005, we had contributed $1,000,000 to this most worthy cause.

Almost all of ADCO's Board members sit on at least two other boards or committees relating to childcare around the province, with some serving on as many as five. ADCO members demonstrate their commitment to quality, choice and value in childcare by serving on many local boards and committees related to services for families and children.

ADCO regularly presents research findings, briefing documents and policy alternatives to federal, provincial and local governments and keeps its members informed through regular meetings, an annual conference and other training and special events throughout the year. ADCO's Childcare Today magazine is published quarterly and is sent to close to 2000 recipients. When more timely communications are needed, ADCO sends additional notices to its members only. All seminars, meetings and conferences are open to everyone although a slightly higher fee is usually charged to non-members.

Thanks to the commitment and dedication of its membership, ADCO has grown in strength and in focus over the years, offering an expanding wealth of knowledge and resources to all involved. You're invited to become a part of it.