CWELCC

Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care

• The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System is an agreement between the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada to provide families with improved access to more affordable child care options in participating licensed child care programs for children under the age of 6.
• Currently, all licensed programs operating within the City of Stratford, Town of St. Marys, and Perth County are enrolled in the CWELCC system.
• CWELCC currently caps fees for children at $22 a day and is working towards lowering fees to an average of $10 per day.
• Families still need to apply for child care and accept a space when offered.
• If you need help with affordability, apply for child care fee subsidy. Subsidy is also available for families with children age 6-12.
• For more information regarding the CWELCC System please visit the Canada-Ontario early years and child care agreement.

CWELCC Directed Growth Plan

• The City of Stratford is committed to ensure families and their children have access to high-quality, affordable, and accessible licensed child care.
• The City of Stratford Directed Growth Plan focuses on allocating CWELCC spaces to priority areas within the City of Stratford, Town of St. Marys, and Perth County.
• Access the CWELCC Directed Growth Plan

Apply for CWELCC Directed Growth Spaces

• The City of Stratford is currently accepting applications for licensed child care spaces under CWELCC for organizations who have a not-for-profit designation.
• Operators are asked to download and complete the CWELCC Directed Growth application and email to the Children’s Services Division.

CWELCC Dispute Resolution Process

Child Care operators or applicants who would like to appeal a CWELCC eligibility or funding decision are asked to follow the CWELCC Dispute Resolution Process.