Advocates believe it's a blind spot that could increase the COVID-19 risk among elementary students, in particular.

Premier Doug Ford says the two governments have earmarked $234.6 million for childhood and early-years settings among licensed daycare facilities.

Inconsistent funding for licensed child-care centres means facilities in some Ontario municipalities may not be able to reopen or expand capacity even as the province allows them to accept more children, an industry association said Monday.

The six operators, who are all women, say a government plan that restricts capacity could result in the closure of some centres.

A letter from the Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario says most child-care centres in the province remain closed, despite receiving the green light for a limited reopening weeks ago.

"This is really a two-to-three-week turnaround for redoing all of our policies and procedures, for cleaning ... for training staff, for making sure we have enough staff."

"I understand the rationale to open child care because I'm one of those people who can't go back to work until I get child care, but I think it's too early."

The Ontario government says an in-class school year will not be able to recommence during the coronavirus pandemic, however, online learning will continue.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the government will cover fixed operating costs and waive all fees related to licensing applications, renewals and revisions.

"While our frontline workers are looking after us, we need to make sure we're looking after them and their families," Premier Doug Ford said.