$10 Daycare in Ontario: Everything You Need To Know
The Child Care Agreement
On March 28, 2022, the Ontario government announced that it had reached a $10.2 billion agreement with the federal government to adopt a $10-a-day child care system.
The new deal, the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, will come into full effect by 2025. It will reduce child care fees in the province by 50% by December 2022. The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system funding comes from the provincial and federal governments.
Choosing Child Care
As a parent, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing child care for your child. Not only do you want to find a safe and nurturing environment for your little one, but you also want to find something affordable. The cost of child care can vary widely, so it's essential to do your research before deciding.
Average Child Care Fees
In Ontario, the average cost of full-time child care for an infant is $1,758 per month. For a toddler, the average cost is $1,537 per month. And for a preschooler, the average cost of child care is $1,433 per month.
These costs can vary depending on the type of child care you choose and your region. For example, a child care centre in Toronto tends to be more expensive than in other parts of the province.
What Does $10 Daycare Mean For You?
Child care costs at participating licensed centres in Ontario will see a fee reduction of up to 25 percent to a minimum of $12 per day, retroactive to April 1, 2022. Starting in December 2022, parents will see more fee reductions, cutting child care costs in half by the end of the year.
Don't worry, hard-working parents! Your days of being crushed by the weight of expensive child care fees are numbered. The Ontario government is moving toward a $10 daycare program to help make child care more affordable for families. Here's everything you need to know about the new funding system in the province, including who is eligible and how to apply.
Families Are Happy That Child Care Will Be More Affordable in Ontario.
Who is Eligible For $10 Daycare in Ontario?
You are eligible for reduced fees if:
You have a child under the age of six enrolled in a licensed child care centre or Montessori.
Your child turns six before June 30 and enrolled in a licensed preschool.
Your child care centre or Montessori is enrolled in the CWELCC system.
If your child is enrolled in an unlicensed home daycare you are not eligible for the $10 daycare program.
How Does $10 Child Care in Ontario Work?
If you meet all the criteria above, you will only have to pay $10 per day for each of your children enrolled in child care by 2025. The amount you will save depends on the current fees of your daycare provider.
The Early Learning and Child Care is funded by the provincial government and is administered by municipalities. This means that each municipality has its own application process and eligibility requirements.
How to Find Independent Childcare Centres that Participate?
Education Minister Stephen Lecce said licensed child care operators have until November 2022 to apply for the CWELCC.
To find a list of licensed child care operators and early childhood educators who participate in the Early Learning and Child Care system, you can visit the website of your local Early Years Centre or Child Care Resource and Referral agency.
Orange Seeds Montessori Centre is one of the approved daycares in Oakville with child care spaces available. You can apply here for 2022/2023.
Orange Seeds Montessori in Oakville is an Approved Participant in the Early Learning and Child Care Program
How to Find High-Quality Child Care?
Finding high-quality early childhood educators in Ontario can be a daunting task. There are so many options to choose from, and it can be hard to know which one is right for your family.
1. Do your research
Before you even start looking for a daycare in Oakville, it's important to do your research. Figure out what type of care you want and what's important to you, such as location, hours of operation, price, and educational philosophy. This will help narrow down your choices and make the process easier.
2. Ask around
One of the best ways to find high-quality child care is by asking friends and family members for recommendations. They may have had a positive experience with a particular daycare or nanny agency that they would recommend to you.
3. Check out reviews online
Another great way to get information about different licensed child care providers is by checking out reviews online. Sites like Yelp or Google Reviews can give you an idea of what other parents think about a particular daycare or nanny agency.
4. Tour the facilities
Once you've narrowed your choices, it's time to tour the facilities. This is a great way to get a feel for the environment and see if it would fit your child well.
5. Ask questions
When you're touring the facility, ask plenty of questions. This will help you get a better understanding of the policies and procedures, and you'll be able to get a sense of the staff's philosophy and approach to child care.
What is the educational philosophy of the daycare?
What are the hours of operation?
Are there any additional parent fees, such as registration or activity fees?
What meals are included in the price of tuition?
Are there any discounts for siblings?
Does the daycare offer before and after care?
What is the ratio of staff to children?
How are discipline issues handled?
What is the policy on sick days?
How often are you updated on their child's progress?
Asking these questions will help you get a better understanding of the daycare and whether or not it's right.
The Benefits of $10 Daycare Ontario for Both Families and Providers
The $10-a-day child care initiative helps families with the cost of child care, making it more affordable for families. The Early Learning and Child Care Program also helps licensed child care providers by increasing their enrolment and providing them with stable funding.
According to the government, the deal will create 86,000 new spaces in a mix of for-profit and not-for-profit licensed child care centres. The government will also work to increase wages for early childhood educators (ECEs).
Frequently Asked Questions About $10 Child Care in Ontario
Q: When do $10 daycare fees start in Ontario?
A: Ontario plans to lower fees to $10 daily by 2025.
Q: How long does the funding last?
A: The funding will be available until your child turns six.
Q: How much does it cover?
A: It depends on the average fees your provider charges.
When will I receive a refund of the fees paid from April 1, 2022?
If your daycare opted in for the CWELCC system in 2022, the fee reduction will be retroactive to April 1, 2022. This means that you will be eligible to receive a refund for the higher fees you have paid once your daycare is fully enrolled in the CWELCC system.
Please get in touch with Orange Seeds Montessori in Oakville for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply for our child care spaces.