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
The application process for community-based CWELCC Directed Growth spaces is now open. This process will enhance access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive child care in our priority neighbourhoods, while also contributing to space target achievement in Haldimand and Norfolk. Current or prospective licensed operators can apply using the form linked below.
Licensees participating in CWELCC receive funding to offset reduced daily parent fees, workforce compensation, cost escalation, and emerging issues. Additional funding and support include special needs resourcing, early years quality program participation, and professional learning support for educators through Affiliated Services for Children and Youth (ASCY).
Process:
- Step 1: Interested applicants should review the application form details, Haldimand and Norfolk’s Directed Growth Plan, and the requirements for becoming a licensed childcare operator.
- Step 2: Completed applications are submitted to the service manager.
- Step 3: Applications are assessed; additional information may be required.
- Step 4: Successful applicants are notified, the service agreement is amended, or a new agreement is entered into with the service manager.
Assessment Criteria:
The evaluation of applications will be guided by Haldimand and Norfolk’s 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.
Start-up Grant:
Applicants can apply for the Start-up Grant, which will be considered if their Directed Growth Space application is successful. This grant helps offset the costs of creating new CWELCC full-day spaces for children under the age of six. Licensees are not eligible if they are already operational and want to enroll an existing program into CWELCC.
Application Form Requests and Inquiries can be directed to:
Note: Individuals interested in becoming a licensed home childcare provider can contact Today’s Family.