Ontario has secured a deal with the federal government on a national child care plan for Ontario families. Families will see financial relief through a phased-approach to reduced average parent fees, with $10/day average licensed child care fees for children ages 0-6 by 2025-2026.
Licensed child care providers can participate in the CWELCC system to help reduce fees. Licensed child care providers must tell parents whether the program is enrolled in the CWELCC system through their parent handbook.
If your licensed child care provider is not enrolled, your fees will not be reduced.
For licensed child care agencies participating in the CWELCC system, all families with children six or under as of June 30 attending care have seen a fee reduction of 50% (from 2020 fees), on average, as of December 31, 2022. By March 31, 2026, licensed child care fees will be lowered to an average of $10/day.
As a parent or guardian of a child under the age of six, you do not need to apply to get a fee reduction.
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:
The amount that you will save depends on the current fees your child care provider charges and may vary by region.
Licensed child care providers must tell parents whether the program is enrolled in the CWELCC system through their parent handbook.
As a parent or guardian of a child under the age of six, you do not need to apply to get a fee reduction. The fee reduction will automatically be applied by your licensed child care provider participating in the CWELCC system.
If your licensed child care provider is not enrolled, your fees will not be reduced.
The amount you will save depends on the current fees that you pay for your eligible children. However, the reduction as of December 31, 2022 is 50%, on average, to a minimum of $12/day.
For example: if the regular rate for an 18-month old was $49/day and $32/day for a 5-year old, your fees would be reduced by 50% to $24.50/day for the 18-month old and $16/day for the 5-year old – a savings of $40.50/day.
The Ontario child care fee subsidy program 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.
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 .