Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care

CWELCC Enrollment Application Form 2025

Ontario has secured a deal with the federal government on a national child care plan for Ontario families. Families will see financial relief through reduced average parent fees every year, with $10/day average licensed child care fees for children ages 0-6 by September 2025.

Licensed child care providers have the option to enroll into the CWELCC system and must notify the District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) of their intention to do so by November 1, 2022. As licensed child care centres and licensed home child care agencies enroll into the system, rebates to parents can begin.

For licensed child care agencies participating in the CWELCC program, all families enrolled in childcare for children six or under as of June 30, 2022, benefitted from a fee reduction of up to 25% (to a minimum of $12/day), retroactive to April 1, 2022, with a further reduction implemented at the end of December 2022. The purpose of this program is to get to $10/day child care, on average, by September 2025.

The CWELCC system requires the creation of many new policies and procedures; therefore, it will take some time for licensed child care providers to enroll in the new system. Please be patient, as we are working closely with the licensed child care sector to implement the new system as quickly as possible.

2023 CWELCC Guidelines

2024 CWELCC Guidelines

2025 CWELCC Guidelines

children sitting around a table playing, one boy smiling at the camera

Check out our Q&A section below to learn more about how this may impact your family!

Am I eligible for reduced fees as part of the CWELCC?

Parents or guardians of children five years of age and younger do not have to apply to receive a child care fee reduction.
You may be eligible for reduced fees if:

you pay more than $12 per day for child care and your child:
- is under the age of six
  OR
- turns six years old and is enrolled in a licensed preschool, kindergarten or family age group or a licensed home child care premises, until June 30

AND

your licensed child care provider chooses to enroll in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care System.

The amount that you will save depends on the current fees your licensed child care operator charges and may vary by region.

When will I get my rebate?

Once enrolled, licensees have 20 calendar days to reduce their fees by 25% and must issue rebates to parents within 20 calendar days of receiving CWELCC funds from the service system manager. Please contact your program directly for further details.

How do I know if my licensed child care provider has enrolled in the CWELCC?

Licensed child care operators are required to notify the DSSAB, families and the Ministry of their intent to enroll in the CWELCC system by November 1^st, 2022.

What if my licensed child care provider does not enroll in the CWELCC system?

After notifying the DSSAB and the Ministry of their decision not to enroll in the CWELCC system, operators must notify existing families of eligible children of their decision. Parents will then have 30 days to provide 30 days notice of withdrawal from the program with no penalty, if they so choose.

What can I expect when my licensed child care provider opts-in?

You will receive communication from your provider indicating they’ve opted in.
You may have an opportunity for a rebate if eligible (i.e. if your account is in good standing).
Contact your child care program directly for more information.

What will my reduction in child care costs be?

The amount you will save depends on the current fees that you pay for your eligible children. However, the initial reduction will be 25% of your current rate, to a minimum of $12/day, retroactive to April 1, 2022.

For example: you currently pay $49/day in child care fees for an 18-month old and $32/day for a 5-year old. If your child care centre enrolls in the CWELCC system by the deadline, your fees would be reduced by 25% to $36.75/day for the 18-month old and $24/day for the 5-year old – a savings of $20.25/day.

Will this replace the Child Care Fee Subsidy program?

No. The Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy Program, which is different from the CWELCC, will continue to be available for families who are eligible for financial support. The amount you will pay depends on your family’s income test and your child’s age. For more information on fee subsidy or how to apply, visit the Child Care Fee Subsidy page on our website.

Will I still be eligible for the child care tax credit?

The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit program will continue to be in effect for eligible families. Find out if you are eligible to receive tax credit to help with child care costs .

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