Implementing $10-a-day childcare
On March 28, 2022, our government announced an agreement with the Province of Ontario that will deliver high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive child care for families.
Since then, Ontario is still in the process of developing their provincial childcare system and will be implementing it through their municipalities. Provinces and territories regulate and set standards for high quality childcare, and our agreements with them stipulate that federal dollars will go towards supporting this quality regulated care.
Here is what child care providers can expect within the coming months:
For licensed child care providers: Licensed child care providers will have until September 2022 to opt-in to the provincial system. When enrolled, providers will be able to provide fee reimbursements retroactive to April 1st to parents.
We recognize the importance of retaining existing licensed spaces and providers as we work together to build this system and our goal is to ensure nobody is put out of businesses and that all licensed providers are supported.
For not-yet-licensed child care providers: Providers must be licensed in order to opt-in to the provincial child care system. If child care providers choose to become licensed with the Ministry of Education in Ontario and opt-in to the system, they will also be eligible for retroactive reimbursement of fees to April 1st. We are in the process of working to make child care licenses more affordable for currently unlicensed providers.
All local child care providers should reach out to their provincial and municipal representatives to obtain more information on enrolling in the system.
In Ontario, thanks to the $10-a-day child care agreement with the Province of Ontario, families can expect:
an average savings of 50% by the end of 2022; approximately $6,000 a year;
an average of $10 a day by 2025-2026; approximately $9,000 a year.
