Spring was a time of new beginnings for the CISS team. A change in the program name to Children’s Inclusion Support Services and a new manager were among the changes for this busy team.

As the new CISS manager, I would like to briefly introduce myself and to extend a thank you for the warm welcome along with an invitation to contact me with any questions, concerns or suggestions about our program.

As a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with experience in quality assurance in child care and program management, the CISS manager role is a wonderful opportunity to use this experience and to enhance my knowledge in special needs resourcing.

Before living and working in Ottawa, I was part of the Best Start Provincial Pilot project in the District of Timiskaming as the Best Start Coordinator with a focus on child care quality assurance. Since moving to Ottawa in 2014, I had the opportunity to work with the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre and Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre, managing Early Years programs. Both were excellent opportunities to connect with the child care and early years community and with professionals in Ottawa. As a multi service agency with a strong commitment to quality and advancement, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (AFCS) was recommended as an excellent employer by colleagues in Ottawa and in other parts of the province. I am very pleased to be part of the CISS team at AFCS.

The team at AFCS and community partners have all been very welcoming and each day brings new and interesting opportunities and challenges. With recent announcements around the expanding child care sector, I look forward to exciting times ahead!

Tara Matte, RECE
Manager, CISS