Closed
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System
Lower child care fees for licensed providers
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : June 10, 2025
- Closing date : July 15, 2025
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.
/100
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
- Open Date : June 10, 2025
- Closing date : July 15, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
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
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System. 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) 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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was July 15, 2025.
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).
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