CWELCC Child Care System
Helping Families Save with the CWELCC Program
Happyland Childcare Learning Centre is proud to participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system – helping families save on childcare costs.
How Does CWELCC Work?
The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program was introduced by the Federal and Provincial Governments in March 2022 to make childcare more accessible and affordable for families with children under 6 years old.
The government’s long-term goal is to bring childcare costs down to an average of $10 per day per child by 2026. To get there, the program is being rolled out in stages:
March 2022: Initial 25% fee reduction.
2022–2023: Families saw up to 50% fee reductions on licensed childcare.
January 2025: Daily childcare fees were further reduced to $22/day for eligible families.
By 2026: Target of $10/day on average across Ontario.
At Happyland Childcare Centre, we are proud participants in the CWELCC system. That means families enrolled with us automatically benefit from these reduced fees, no additional applications required.
What Parents Should Know
- CWELCC applies only to children under 6 years old.
- Your child must be enrolled in a licensed childcare space at a centre or home provider that has opted into the program (like Happyland!).
- Because the program is so popular, spots fill quickly and demand is often higher than the number of available spaces.
Why CWELCC Matters
Lower Fees
Inclusive
Peace of Mind
Savings Example with CWELCC
- Infant Care: Reduced from $1,500 to $750 – families save $750 per month
- Toddler Care: Reduced from $1,200 to $600 – families save $600 per month
- Preschool Care: Reduced from $1,000 to $500 – families save $500 per month
FAQS
What is the Ontario Child Care program?
The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program is a government-funded initiative designed to make childcare more affordable for families with children under the age of 6. The goal is to reduce childcare fees to an average of $10 per day by 2026.
Who is eligible for CWELCC reduced childcare fees?
To be eligible, your child must:
- Be under 6 years old
- Be enrolled in a licensed home childcare agency or centre that participates in the CWELCC program (like Happyland licensed CWELCC child care centre)
Do parents need to apply for CWELCC?
No, parents do not need to apply separately. If your child is enrolled in a participating licensed childcare, the reduced fees are applied automatically to your childcare costs.
How much can families save under CWELCC?
Savings vary by age group and fees, but parents typically save 50% or more on childcare costs. For example, fees that were once $1,200 per month could be reduced to around $600 under CWELCC.
Does CWELCC apply to all childcare centres in Ontario?
No. CWELCC System only applies to licensed childcare providers that have opted into the program. Not all centres participate, but Happyland is a proud participant!
Is there a limit to the number of spaces available under CWELCC?
Yes. Each region in Ontario receives a specific allocation of funded childcare spaces under CWELCC. Because the program is very popular, demand may be higher than the number of available spots.
Will CWELCC affect the quality of childcare?
No. The program is designed to support families without reducing quality. At Happyland, children continue to receive the same nurturing, high-quality care while parents benefit from reduced childcare fees.