Today, the City of Toronto announced that, starting tomorrow, all licensed child care operators in Toronto may apply to be part of the new Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) funding program.
On March 28, the Ontario and federal governments announced an agreement to implement the CWELCC funding program in Ontario. Since then, the City has been developing the implementation and application processes, and engaging with more than 1,000 child care operators and home child care agencies. The City will continue to communicate to the sector, as needed, throughout the summer through various channels such as by email, through the website and by holding information sessions.
Licensed child care operators in Toronto may apply to be part of the new Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care funding program.
The City is working with the federal and provincial governments to help make child care more affordable. More info: https://t.co/AU9o2htwnT pic.twitter.com/c3fgwrmj1G
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) June 22, 2022
All licensed child care programs in Toronto serving children under the age of six, or turning six before Thursday, June 30, may apply to participate in the CWELCC program to support fee reductions for eligible families, provided they meet requirements and the terms and conditions of the funding as determined by the Province and approved by the City. In addition, all licensed child care programs may apply to access workforce compensation supports for eligible staff under the CWELCC program.
The deadline for child care operators to opt into the CWELCC program is Thursday, September 1. Once a child care program has opted in and has been approved, eligible families can expect child care fees to be refunded retroactive to April 1. The new CWELCC website includes details regarding the program, eligibility requirements and any upcoming information session dates for child care operators. As of June 23, it will also include the online application for licensed child care operators to enroll in the CWELCC program: www.toronto.ca/community-peopl
Ontario’s plan for meeting its CWELCC commitments takes a phased approach, over five years, to achieve its key objectives: affordability, accessibility, a valued workforce, inclusion, and an enhanced data and reporting process. The plan also includes a commitment to deliver an average of $10-a-day child care for eligible children by September 2025.
“The City of Toronto supports all efforts to keep child care fees affordable for families and we are proud to partner with the federal and provincial governments to help make licensed child care within reach for families in this city. By working closely with child care operators to opt into the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program, we will enable greater participation that will directly benefit Toronto families.”
– Mayor John Tory
“The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) funding program aligns perfectly with the objectives in the City’s Early Learning and Child Care Growth Strategy. The funding will help strengthen the early learning and child care system in Toronto, and help us reach our goals of affordability, access and workforce support now and into the future.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Community and Economic Development Committee
“Developing policies and the opt-in process for licensed child care operators for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care funding program has been complex work, but I am excited that we are at the point where we can begin the application process. I encourage all licensed child care providers to learn more about this funding and consider how it will support the families they serve.”
– Shanley McNamee, General Manager, City of Toronto Children’s Services
SOURCE City of Toronto
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