Closed
Source verified August 13, 2026
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System
Lower child care fees for licensed providers
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Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
CWELCC supports affordable licensed child care by reducing parent fees and funding providers. It applies to licensed child care centres and home child care agencies for eligible spaces and children under age 6.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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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
- 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
- Enrolment of licensed child care programs in CWELCC
- Expansion of licensed child care spaces
- Fee reduction for families using eligible care
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Applicant attestation confirming eligibility
- Any additional documents requested by the local service system manager
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Licensed child care centres
- Licensed home child care agencies
- For-profit and not-for-profit providers
Who is not eligible
- Unlicensed home child care providers
- Authorized recreation programs
- Unlicensed school board-operated extended day programs
Eligible expenses
- Funding for operating licensed child care programs
- Support for fee reductions for eligible children
- Wage-related support for child care workforce
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Fees above the applicable base fee
- Services from unlicensed child care programs
- Programs that do not meet CWELCC enrolment requirements
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- County of Renfrew
Selection criteria
- Financial viability of the provider
- Consistency with the service system manager’s directed growth plan
- Alignment with local priorities and underserved areas
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact your local service system manager
- Check whether your program aligns with local directed growth plans.
- Get guidance on the application process.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the required application form.
- Prepare the required attestation and any requested supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit to the local service system manager
- Send the application according to the process established by the service system manager.
- Step 4: Await the decision
- The application is reviewed and you will receive the outcome.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the local service system manager.
- Assessment is based on financial viability and alignment with local priorities.
- Applicants are notified of the outcome.
- Approved providers enter into a service agreement.
Additional information
- Licensed providers must inform parents whether they are enrolled in CWELCC.
- A service agreement is required with the local service system manager.
- Providers must follow provincial child care rules and reporting requirements.
- Funding is tied to maintaining eligibility and compliance.
Contacts
Availability timeline
2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System Program
What is the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System?
CWELCC supports affordable licensed child care by reducing parent fees and funding providers. It applies to licensed child care centres and home child care agencies for eligible spaces and children under age 6.
Who is eligible for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System program?
To be eligible for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System program, you must:
Licensed child care provider
Serves children under 6
Aligned with local priorities
What expenses are eligible under Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System?
Enrolment of licensed child care programs in CWELCC
Expansion of licensed child care spaces
Fee reduction for families using eligible care
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System?
You can contact Renfrew County Housing Corporation (RCHC) or by phone at 1-833-560-2662.
Where is the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System available?
The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System?
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System is funded by Renfrew County Housing Corporation (RCHC), County of Renfrew