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Child Care Assistance - Ontario - Canada
Open
Source verified August 12, 2026

Child Care Assistance

Financial help for child care costs
Funding available
$ 2,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply

Families

See full eligibility

Overview

Child Care Assistance supports eligible families in Niagara with all or part of the cost of licensed child care for children up to 12 years of age. Funding is based on income and confirmation of the reason for care, and assistance also applies to seasonal camps.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 2,000 $
  • Up to 75% of project cost

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

  • Licensed child care
  • Seasonal camps

Documents Needed

  • The most recent Notice of Assessment or Canada Child Benefit for each parent or caregiver
  • Identification for all family members
  • Documentation regarding custody
  • Documentation of residency in Niagara
  • Documentation for reason for service

Official resources

Program guide

Apply for Child Care Assistance

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Families

Eligible expenses

  • Costs of licensed child care
  • Costs of seasonal camps

Eligible geographic areas

  • Niagara

Selection criteria

  • Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Create an account
    • Sign in to the online application portal.
    • Complete the application form.
  • Step 2: Upload required documents
    • Submit the requested supporting documents.
    • Provide proof of identity, residency, income, and reason for care.
  • Step 3: Eligibility meeting
    • Attend an in-person meeting with a Children's Services caseworker.
    • Provide extra documents if requested.
  • Step 4: Sign agreement if approved
    • Review and sign the Parent Agreement and Responsibility form.

Processing and Agreement

  • After all required documents are received, an in-person appointment will be scheduled with a Children's Services caseworker to verify eligibility.
  • If more information is needed to help with determining your eligibility, the caseworker may request additional documentation.
  • If you are eligible for fee subsidy, you will need to review and sign a Parent Agreement and Responsibility form.

Additional information

  • Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • If eligible, families must sign a Parent Agreement and Responsibility form.
  • Subsidy recipients must renew the agreement every year.
  • Applicants may be asked for additional documents during eligibility review.

Contacts

Availability timeline

2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Child Care Assistance Program

What is the Child Care Assistance?

Child Care Assistance supports eligible families in Niagara with all or part of the cost of licensed child care for children up to 12 years of age. Funding is based on income and confirmation of the reason for care, and assistance also applies to seasonal camps.

How much funding can be received?

Child Care Assistance Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $2,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Child Care Assistance program?

To be eligible for the Child Care Assistance program, you must: Live in Niagara Each parent or guardian is employed, in school or training, or in an employment or training activity through Ontario Works Have filed your most recent income tax return and have a confirmed child care space

Who can I contact for more information about the Child Care Assistance?

You can contact Niagara Region Housing Services by email at childcarecosts or by phone at 905-980-6000.

Where is the Child Care Assistance available?

The Child Care Assistance program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Child Care Assistance a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Child Care Assistance is a Grant and Funding