Closed
Source verified April 27, 2026
Child Care Subsidy Program
Financial help for licensed child care costs
Latest source updateLast Update: June 14, 2026Latest change: The page now shows the Child Care Subsidy program, including eligibility, required documents, application steps, and the online application portal.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 14, 2026
Latest change: The page now shows the Child Care Subsidy program, including eligibility, required documents, application steps, and the online application portal.
Child Care Subsidy details updated
The page now shows the Region of Waterloo Child Care Subsidy program and the related CWELCC child care fee reduction information, including that families may apply for Child Care Subsidy up to six months (26 weeks) before child care starts. It also now lists the main eligibility rules, the supporting documents required, and the application portal and support number 519-575-4400.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program helps eligible families in Waterloo Region pay for licensed child care, before and after school care, and summer programs. The maximum funding amount is not stated; it supports families with child care fees for approved licensed programs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Paying for licensed child care.
- Supporting before and after school care.
- Supporting summer care programs.
Documents Needed
- Income proof, such as a recent CCB notice or Notice of Assessment
- Proof of identity and immigration or legal status
- Proof of Waterloo Region address
- Proof of reason for child care, such as employment, school, self-employment, medical, or referral documents
- Parenting arrangement documents, if applicable
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Families in Waterloo Region
- Parents or guardians of children aged 0 to 12
Who is not eligible
- Families outside Waterloo Region
- Applicants without an eligible reason for child care
- Households that do not meet the financial eligibility requirement
Eligible expenses
- Licensed child care fees
- Before and after school program fees
- Summer program fees
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Child care spaces without a confirmed placement are not covered by the subsidy itself.
- Unlicensed child care programs are not covered.
- Programs without a Purchase of Service Agreement with the Region of Waterloo are not covered.
Eligible geographic areas
- Waterloo Region
Selection criteria
- Household meets the income eligibility requirement.
- Applicant has an eligible reason for child care.
- Required supporting documents are provided.
How to apply
- Step 1: Check eligibility
- Use the subsidy calculator to estimate financial eligibility.
- Confirm your reason for needing child care.
- Step 2: Prepare documents
- Gather the required supporting documents for your situation.
- Upload them within 30 days of applying.
- Step 3: Create an account
- Sign in to the Child Care Subsidy Account.
- Create and confirm an adult account.
- Step 4: Submit the application
- Complete the Child Care Fee Subsidy Application online.
- Save or print the application summary after submission.
- Step 5: Upload supporting documents
- Upload documents through the Child Care Subsidy Account.
- Wait for the file status to be reviewed.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications and documents are reviewed after submission.
- Processing may take up to 10 business days.
- An eligibility appointment is booked after the file is received and processed.
- Documents may be marked approved or declined in the account.
- If approved, the caseworker completes the eligibility assessment.
Additional information
- Families can use the Child Care Subsidy Calculator before applying.
- Eligible families may apply up to 26 weeks before child care starts.
- All supporting documents must be submitted within 30 days of the application date.
- If a decision is disputed, an internal review can be requested.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Child Care Subsidy Program Program
What is the Child Care Subsidy Program?
This program helps eligible families in Waterloo Region pay for licensed child care, before and after school care, and summer programs. The maximum funding amount is not stated; it supports families with child care fees for approved licensed programs.
Who is eligible for the Child Care Subsidy Program program?
To be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy Program program, you must:
Child aged 0 to 12
Resident of Waterloo Region
Financially eligible household
What expenses are eligible under Child Care Subsidy Program?
Paying for licensed child care.
Supporting before and after school care.
Supporting summer care programs.
Who can I contact for more information about the Child Care Subsidy Program?
You can contact Sunnyside Foundation by email at ccs@regionofwaterloo.ca or by phone at 519-575-4400.
Where is the Child Care Subsidy Program available?
The Child Care Subsidy Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Child Care Subsidy Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Child Care Subsidy Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Child Care Subsidy Program?
Child Care Subsidy Program is funded by Sunnyside Foundation