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Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)
Affordable child care support in Ontario
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Location
Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system supports licensed child care providers in Ontario and helps families through lower fees, including a $22 per day cap for children under age six. It aims to improve affordability, accessibility, quality, and inclusion while expanding spaces and supporting the workforce.
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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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Reduce child care fees for families.
- Create new licensed child care spaces.
- Address barriers to inclusive child care.
- Support training and development opportunities for the early childhood workforce.
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
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
CWELCC updated with new allocation and eligibility details
The Wellington CWELCC page now says the agreement has been extended to March 2027, all Ministry-provided spaces have been allocated, and new enrolment applications are not currently being accepted.
The Wellington CWELCC page now states that the agreement has been extended to March 2027, with a longer-term extension still under negotiation in 2026. It also says Wellington has allocated all Ministry-provided CWELCC spaces, is not currently accepting enrolment applications, and plans allocated spaces to open by the end of 2026. The page adds that CWELCC participation is optional for programs, only licensed child care programs may participate, and camps or recreation programs serving children ages 6 to 12 are ineligible. If spaces become available, the page says Wellington will prioritize programs in low-access regions, serving priority populations, with existing non-CWELCC spaces or minor adjustment needs, and not-for-profit child care centres.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Applicants who live in Halton
Who is not eligible
- Camps and recreation programs serving children 6 to 12 years of age
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
- Camps and recreation programs serving children 6 to 12 years of age are not eligible to participate in CWELCC.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Alignment with local service system priorities for increasing access to the CWELCC program
- Priority neighbourhoods
- Families experiencing low income or underserved in the licensed child care system
How to apply
- Apply for Child Care Fee Subsidy.
- If you have applied before, contact your previous Child Care Representative for support or call 311.
Processing and Agreement
- After a service system manager receives a CWELCC application from a child care applicant or existing licensee, they review the application details and determine whether the program is eligible for enrolment in CWELCC.
- They may follow up with the licensee for more information or to confirm specific program details.
Additional information
- Oxford County does not approve child care licenses. Licensing is managed by the Ministry of Education.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Program
What is the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)?
The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system supports licensed child care providers in Ontario and helps families through lower fees, including a $22 per day cap for children under age six. It aims to improve affordability, accessibility, quality, and inclusion while expanding spaces and supporting the workforce.
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:
Licensees may need to demonstrate financial viability.
Licensees must operate in accordance with the purchase of service agreement, the CCEYA, and local requirements.
Licensees must maintain existing licensed spaces for eligible children and keep their licence in good standing.
What expenses are eligible under Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)?
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
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 HumanServices@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