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Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)
Affordable licensed child care support in Ontario
Last Update: May 11, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : March 5, 2026
Location
Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Overview
CWELCC supports affordable, licensed early learning and child care in Ontario. It funds fee reductions, new child care spaces, workforce supports, inclusion, and related operating needs.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : March 5, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Cornwall
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Fee reduction for licensed child care spaces
- Creation and expansion of licensed child care spaces
- Workforce compensation and professional development
- Inclusion supports for children with special needs and diverse populations
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Proof of not-for-profit status, if applicable
- License issued under the CCEYA
- Certificate of insurance
- Annual operating budget and audited financial statements
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Licensed child care centres
- Licensed home child care agencies
- Not-for-profit child care operators
- For-profit child care operators
Who is not eligible
- Unlicensed child care providers
- Unlicensed home child care providers
- Authorized recreation programs
- School board-operated extended day programs
Eligible expenses
- Operating costs for licensed child care services
- Staff wages and benefits
- Training and professional development
- Administration and IT costs
- Start-up costs for new spaces, such as equipment and renovations
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Unlicensed child care programs
- Programs for children 6 to 12 only, where not otherwise eligible
- Funding used for purposes outside CWELCC objectives
- Costs above approved administration limits
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- Local service areas in Ontario using CWELCC, including Cornwall and Oxford County
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the local service system manager.
- Financial viability and local priority alignment are assessed.
- Applicants receive a written approval or denial decision.
- Approved operators must sign a service agreement.
- Funding may be audited, reconciled, or recovered if terms are breached.
Additional information
- Participation is optional for licensed child care providers.
- Operators must sign a service agreement before receiving funding.
- Applications may be denied if local growth priorities are not met.
- Funding recovery or audit review may apply if terms are not followed.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)?
CWELCC supports affordable, licensed early learning and child care in Ontario. It funds fee reductions, new child care spaces, workforce supports, inclusion, and related operating needs.
Who is eligible for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program?
To be eligible for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program, you must:
Licensed child care operator
Serves children under 6
Financially viable
What expenses are eligible under Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)?
Fee reduction for licensed child care spaces
Creation and expansion of licensed child care spaces
Workforce compensation and professional development
Inclusion supports for children with special needs and diverse populations
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)?
You can contact County of Wellington by email at cs-reporting@cornwall.ca or by phone at 613-933-6282.
Where is the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) available?
The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)?
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) is funded by County of Wellington