Open
Source verified August 12, 2026
Child Care Assistance
Financial help for child care costs
Latest source updateLast Update: September 27, 2026Latest change: Niagara Region added an invitation-only pre-approval route for child care fee subsidy, with new eligibility and application requirements.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 27, 2026
Latest change: Niagara Region added an invitation-only pre-approval route for child care fee subsidy, with new eligibility and application requirements.
Child Care Assistance pre-approval added
Niagara Region’s Apply for Child Care Assistance page now describes an invitation-only pre-approval route for child care fee subsidy. Families seeking pre-approval must live in Niagara, have each parent or guardian employed, in school or training, or in an Ontario Works employment or training activity, and provide recent tax and benefit information. The application instructions also now require a preferred start date within three months of the application date and a selected preferred centre as the child care choice. Pre-approval is conditional, remains valid only until the date on the family’s pre-approval letter, and does not guarantee a child care space.
Funding available
$ 2,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
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.
/100
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
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Eligible families
- Families who have received an invitation from Children's Services can apply for pre-approval
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
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