The CWELCC System and Child Eligibility
The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system is part of an agreement with the federal and provincial governments to make child care more affordable for families.
Children under the age of six (or who turn six before June 30, 2023) in a licensed child care program participating in CWELCC, are eligible for fee reductions that will help with the cost of child care.
If your child is enrolled in a participating Kindergarten, Family-Age Group or Home Child Care CWELCC program and turns six they are eligible for a fee reduction until June 30 or the end of the month that they turn six.
If your child is enrolled in a participating School-Age CWELCC program and turns six, they are eligible until the end of the month they turn six.
What this means for families
If your family has an eligible child (under 6 years of age) enrolled in a participating licensed child care program, you will have a reduced rate for child care fees.
How to know if a child care is part of the CWELCC system
Child care providers are required to tell families if they are participating in the CWELCC system or if they are not participating. Currently, all child care providers in St. Thomas and Elgin are participating in the CWELCC system.
What are the reduced rates for child care fees
The rates for child care fees will be provided by licensed child care providers, and parents will pay the fees directly to them.
When $10 a day child care comes into effect
The costs for licensed child care (for eligible children under 6 years of age) is expected to reach a provincial average of $10 a day by March 31, 2026.