CWELCC - Providers
CWELCC
On March 28, 2022, the Governments of Ontario and Canada signed the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Agreement. The Province of Ontario reached a $13.2 billion commitment over six years with the federal government on a national child care plan.
Funding under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement (CWELCC) will be used to build and leverage the success of Ontario’s existing early learning and child care system by increasing quality, accessibility, affordability and inclusivity in early learning and child care, towards achieving the objectives of:
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- Providing a 25% fee reduction retroactive to April 1, 2022 building to a 50% reduction in average parent costs (based on 2020 levels) for licensed early learning and child care by the end of calendar year 2022 and reaching an average parent fee of $10 a day by 2025- 26 for licensed child care spaces;
- Creating 86,000 new high-quality, affordable licensed child care spaces (relative to 2019 levels), predominantly though not-for-profit licensed child care;
- Addressing barriers to provide inclusive child care; and
- Valuing the early childhood workforce and providing them with training and development opportunities.
PHASED APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION
Ontario is taking a phased approach to implementing the CWELCC System, with a focus on the immediate objectives of affordability for families and system stability, before moving on to addressing the objectives of increasing accessibility and inclusion over the longer term.
This approach will allow the Ministry to engage with Service System Managers and the broader early years and child care sector, provide the time for sector partners to align with the terms and conditions of the CWELCC System, and enable the Ministry to make the necessary implementation adjustments as the early years and child care landscape evolves.
PARTICIPATION/ELIGIBILITY
All licensed child care Service Providers with programs serving children under the age of 6 (or turning 6 before June 30) in the District of Nipissing are eligible to apply to participate in the CWELCC System.
Participation in the CWELCC System is optional; however, Service Providers are encouraged to participate.
Service Providers interested in expanding licensed child care services for children aged 0 to 5 years within the Nipissing District must ensure that their services align with DNSSAB’s Early Years and Child Care Service Plan, the district’s approved Directed Growth allocation, and the provincial Access and Inclusion Framework under O. Reg.137/15 (s.77.3(2)).
Click on the link below to view the 2025 CWELCC Guidelines.
IMPORTANT: DNSSAB cannot approve further expansions for licensed child care at this time due to the limited number of available growth spaces. Service providers wishing to expand or establish new services within the district are strongly encouraged to complete the required form (below) to add their name to the waitlist for the expansion of licensed child care.
Please note that this applies to both centre-based and home child care agencies.
Approved Service Providers participating in the CWELCC System must enter into an Agreement with DNSSAB to receive cost-based funding.
CWELCC ONE-TIME NON-DISCRETIONARY FUNDING
Through the CWELCC System’s funding flexibility, Service Providers can receive support for one-time non-discretionary and unexpected Eligible Costs that exceed their program cost allocations (e.g. emergency capital repairs to minor assets).
To ensure a fair, consistent and transparent approach, Service Providers must complete the One-Time Non-Discretionary Funding application as needed at the site (centre-based) and Agency (home child care) level. The application must be fully complete, in the prescribed format, and include supporting documentation for consideration.
The One-Time Non-Discretionary Funding application may be requested by emailing DNSSAB at csfundingrequest@dnssab.ca. DNSSAB will consider applications throughout the year.
ADDITIONAL CWELCC RESOURCES
The Ministry has provided additional resources to assist child care providers in understanding and implementing cost-based funding. Click on the links below to view webinars designed to support providers in navigating the financial aspects of child care services, ensuring alignment with provincial regulations and enhancing service delivery for children under six years of age.
CWELCC START-UP GRANT APPLICATION
Service Providers approved by DNSSAB for expansion and wishing to apply for CWELCC Start-Up funding are asked to complete and return the applicable form linked below.
Completed forms and supporting documentation should be submitted to csfundingrequest@dnssab.ca.
CWELCC INQUIRIES
Licensed child care providers inquiring about the CWELCC must complete the CWELCC Inquiry Form to ensure adequate and appropriate follow-up.
APPEAL FORM
Licensed child care providers wanting to bring forward issues regarding CWELCC System eligibility and funding decisions can complete the Service Provider Appeal Form below.
QUESTIONS
Questions about the CWELCC system should be addressed to:
District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board
Attention: Children’s Services Department, Finance and Data Coordination Team
Email: csfundingrequest@dnssab.ca