Lower Child Care Fees (Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care System)

Canada and Ontario pay part of the cost of licensed child care so families pay less. At child care programs enrolled in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, fees for children under 6 are capped at $22 a day. The provincial average is $19 a day. The Ontario page, updated September 2026, still lists the $22 a day cap.

Program in Toronto. Parents & families Government benefits Money, grants & charity

When: No application and no deadline for the lower fee. Many centres have wait lists, so get on them early. Canada and Ontario extended their child care agreement to March 31, 2027.

How to reach them

1. Search the A to Z list of Toronto child care centres (see the CWELCC participating column).
2. Say who you are and what you are offering or asking.
3. Come back here and tell us if they answered.

Other ways, if that one is quiet

• Find a Child Care Near You (City of Toronto search)Find a Child Care Near You (City of Toronto search)
  It workedNo answer

• PhoneGo to the phone line
  It workedNo answer

• PhoneCall 311
  It workedNo answer

Where else they are

Their website is toronto.ca/community-people/community-partn....

Good to know

• For whomFamilies with a child under 6 at a licensed child care centre or home child care agency that is enrolled in CWELCC. You do not have to apply for the lower fee. The reduction applies when the provider charges more than $12 a day. Families with low income can also apply separately for a City of Toronto Child Care Fee Subsidy.
• CostFees capped at $22 a day for a child under 6 at an enrolled program
• LanguagesEnglish
• Their stepsOpen the City of Toronto A to Z list of licensed child care centres and look for Yes in the CWELCC participating column, or search by location with Find a Child Care Near You. For home child care, see the City's Home Child Care Agencies page. Contact the centres you like and ask to join their wait list. Get on wait lists early. Ask the centre to confirm it is enrolled in CWELCC. Enrolled providers must say so in their parent handbook. You do not need to apply for the lower fee. If your income is low, also apply for a City of Toronto Child Care Fee Subsidy (416-338-8888) to pay even less.

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