Closed
Source verified July 25, 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
Closed
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.
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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
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Licensed child care
- Before or after school programs
- Summer programs
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
Official resources
Application form
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.
Selection criteria
- Household meets the income eligibility requirement.
- Applicant has an eligible reason for child care.
- Required supporting documents are provided.
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.
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
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.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Child Care Subsidy Program?
Child Care Subsidy Program is funded by Sunnyside Foundation