Closed
Source verified August 7, 2026
Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund
Accessible child care centre improvements
Funding available
$ 70,000
Deadline
February 14, 2022
Opened December 3, 2021
Location
Canada
Overview
The Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund provides up to $70,000 to regulated and/or licensed child care organizations in Canadian communities to improve accessibility and safety for persons with disabilities. Eligible projects include new construction, renovation or retrofit work and accessible information and communication technologies in child care centres.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Enhance an existing program
- Digitize or modernize organizational tools
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 70,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- New construction, renovation or retrofit activities to improve physical accessibility
- Accessible information and communication technologies
- Accessible playgrounds, multisensory rooms, accessible kitchens and accessibility equipment
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects
Documents Needed
- Completed Application for Funding (EMP 5684)
- Completed Calculator (EMP 5678)
- Digital photo of the project space, if applicable
- External cost estimate or rationale for non-flat-rate activities
- Supporting documents confirming legal status and, if needed, ownership or lease approval
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Regulated and/or licensed child care organizations
- Not-for-profit child care organizations
- Child care organizations run by municipalities
- Indigenous child care organizations
- For-profit child care organizations and organizations that operate in public schools (primary and secondary) or on public school property, if the project activity is exclusively for the use of the child care centre/program
Who is not eligible
- Home-based child care providers
- Child care organizations on provincial or federal property, except public schools
- Child care organizations on public health care or public hospital property
- Unlicensed or unregulated child care centres
Eligible expenses
- Construction, renovation, and retrofit costs for accessibility improvements
- Accessible information and communication technology
- External contractor quotes for non-flat-rate activities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Retrofit of motor vehicles for community or individual use
- Construction, renovation or retrofit activities that aim to decorate or improve esthetics of a building or its surroundings
- Construction, renovation or retrofit activities for personal use
- Project activities in a private home or dwelling
- Contingency costs; routine repairs and maintenance costs; general costs including overhead, administrative, operating costs and amenities; employee salaries and benefits
Eligible geographic areas
- Canadian communities
Selection criteria
- Project description and need
- Expected accessibility and safety impact
- Reasonableness and detail of project costs
- Community support for the project
- Priority given on a first-come, first-served basis
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare your application
- Read the applicant guide.
- Complete the application form and calculator.
- Gather the required supporting documents.
- Step 2: Submit your package
- Send the complete application by email or by mail.
- Include the organization name in the email subject line if applying by email.
- Step 3: Wait for confirmation and review
- Keep the email confirmation of receipt if you apply by email.
- Wait for the review outcome.
Processing and Agreement
- You will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt after you send your application by email.
- You will be notified of the outcome of the review of your application within 16 weeks from the end date of the submission period.
- Approved project activities must start after the project is approved and after a funding agreement is signed.
- Only activities that take place after the funding agreement is signed will be paid.
- Organizations that receive Enabling Accessibility Fund funding will be required to report on the results of their accessibility project.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Enabling Accessibility Fund - Enabling Accessibility Fund for mid-sized projectsFunding for accessible workplaces and communities
- Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth Innovation ComponentEmpowering youth to improve accessibility for people with disabilities
- Enabling Accessibility Fund — Small projectsAccessible projects for workplaces and communities
Frequently Asked Questions about the Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund Program
What is the Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund?
The Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund provides up to $70,000 to regulated and/or licensed child care organizations in Canadian communities to improve accessibility and safety for persons with disabilities. Eligible projects include new construction, renovation or retrofit work and accessible information and communication technologies in child care centres.
How much funding can be received?
Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $70,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 14, 2022.
Who is eligible for the Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund program?
To be eligible for the Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund program, you must:
The organization must be a regulated and/or licensed child care organization.
The funding request cannot exceed $70,000.
The project activities must be completed within 24 months.
What expenses are eligible under Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund?
New construction, renovation or retrofit activities to improve physical accessibility
Accessible information and communication technologies
Accessible playgrounds, multisensory rooms, accessible kitchens and accessibility equipment
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at ESDC.ELCC.EAF-FA.AGJE.EDSC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.
Where is the Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund available?
The Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund program is available across Canada.