The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) agreement is a plan to support a licensed early learning and child care system that is committed to high-quality early learning experiences, access equity, affordability, and inclusive conditions.
As CWELCC continues to make child care more affordable for families, the demand for care is expected to increase as the service manager for Haldimand County and Norfolk County, Haldimand and Norfolk Children’s Services intends to increase access to licensed early learning and child care in priority neighbourhoods by supporting the creation of 441 new spaces for children younger than six years, progressively each year, by the end of 2026.
We are committed to supporting the principles of the province’s access and inclusion framework as we operationalize our directed growth plan. Through data analyses of multiple socio-economic and demographic indicators, initial priority neighbourhoods were identified as areas for directed growth. These initial priority neighbourhoods are listed below in no particular order:
- Delhi
- Waterford
- Simcoe
- Caledonia
- Dunnville
- Rural areas of Haldimand County
- Rural areas of Norfolk County
A copy of the current Directed Growth Plan can be found here.
Directed Growth Space Application & Start-up Grants
The 2024 application for CWELCC Directed Growth spaces and Start-up Grants is now closed. Please check back here for future opportunities.
All Directed Growth Space applications and Start-up Grants will be reviewed and approved based on Haldimand & Norfolk Children’s Services Directed Growth Plan, Ontario’s Access and Inclusion Framework, and the viability of the proposed program. Criteria include:
- Alignment with the needs of Haldimand and Norfolk’s priority neighbourhoods.
- Commitment to access, inclusion, and diversity demonstrated through proposed and/or existing policies and practices.
- Financial viability of the proposed budget for the program.
- Auspice of the applicant.
Inquiries can be directed to:
Note: Individuals interested in becoming a licensed home childcare provider can contact Today’s Family.