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Child Care Subsidy Program

Financial help for licensed child care costs

Offered by
Sunnyside Foundation
Official source: regionofwaterloo.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Families may be eligible for further financial support through the Region of Waterloo’s Child Care Subsidy program
See full eligibility

Overview

The Region of Waterloo’s Child Care Subsidy program helps eligible families in Waterloo Region pay for licensed child care. It supports licensed child care, before or after school programs, and summer programs so parents can work or attend school.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Canadians
Legal structures
All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Child Care Subsidy details updated

The page now shows the Child Care Subsidy program, including eligibility, required documents, application steps, and the online application portal.

See more

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.

Official source: regionofwaterloo.ca
June 14, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Families may be eligible for further financial support through the Region of Waterloo’s Child Care Subsidy program
  • Parents or guardians needing to apply for subsidy can apply online

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
  • Before or after school programs
  • Summer programs

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.

Activities funded

  • Licensed child care
  • Before or after school programs
  • Summer programs

How to apply

  • Go to the Child Care Subsidy Account webpage and select Sign In.
  • Select Create an Account and complete the adult account setup.
  • Select the Child Care Fee Subsidy Application box and choose Apply for Child Care Subsidy.
  • Complete the application form and submit it to receive a confirmation number.
  • Upload supporting documents through the Child Care Subsidy Account within 30 days.
Open application portal

Documents Needed

  • Proof of your income
  • Proof of identity and status in Canada
  • Proof of your Waterloo Region address
  • Proof of reason for child care
  • Parenting arrangement documents, if applicable

Selection criteria

  • Household meets the income eligibility requirement.
  • Applicant has an eligible reason for child care.
  • Required supporting documents are provided.

Processing and Agreement

  • When your application and all documents are received and processed, a Caseworker appointment is booked to complete the application process and assess eligibility.
  • Processing times may take up to 10 business days for the application and uploaded documents to be reviewed.
  • Uploaded files show Pending until reviewed.
  • After review, the file status changes to Approved or Declined.

Additional information

  • The Child Care Subsidy program is not able to help you find a child care space.

Contacts

ccs@regionofwaterloo.ca
519-575-4400

Official sources

Help Paying for Child Care

Application form

Child Care SubsidyClient Declaration Regarding Custody and Family CompositionEmployment VerificationParent/Guardian Illness/Disability/Physical Limitation Form for Assessing Eligibility of Child Care SubsidyRequest for Review of Child Care Subsidy

Application portal

Welcome to Your Child Care Subsidy Account

Supporting document

Child Care Subsidy Application: Checklist of Supporting DocumentsClient Declaration Regarding Custody and Family CompositionEmployment VerificationParent/Guardian Illness/Disability/Physical Limitation Form for Assessing Eligibility of Child Care SubsidyReferral to Child Care Subsidy for Child with Special or Social Needs
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Child Care Subsidy Program Program

What is the Child Care Subsidy Program?

The Region of Waterloo’s Child Care Subsidy program helps eligible families in Waterloo Region pay for licensed child care. It supports licensed child care, before or after school programs, and summer programs so parents can work or attend school.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Child Care Subsidy Program program?

To be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy Program program, you must: Have one or more children who are 0 to 12 years old and need child care Live in Waterloo Region Have an eligible reason for care and be financially eligible

What expenses are eligible under Child Care Subsidy Program?

Licensed child care Before or after school programs Summer 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