Early Childhood Development Services
Child Care Subsidy
What is a subsidized space?
How do I get a subsidized space for my child?
How much will I have to pay for this space?
What is a surcharge?
How do I pay?
What if I want to move my child to another child care centre?
What is a subsidized space?
This is a space in a child care centre which is partially funded by government
on behalf of your child should you qualify under the income guidelines. Several
full day child care centres in the province have centre-based subsidized spaces.
A finite number of additional “portable” subsidized spaces have
been made available across the province for families who are eligible for the
subsidy program. The portable space is attached to your child and can be taken
with you should you move to another child care centre. The centre you choose
to care for your child must either have a centre-based subsidized space available
or accept portable childcare subsidies. All subsidized spaces are designated
for children who are 12 years old and younger and can only apply to centres
which provide full-day child care.
How do I get a subsidized space for my child?
Contact must be made with your local Child Care Subsidy Caseworker who will
provide you with the details of how you can access one of these centre-based
or portable spaces. It will be your responsibility to locate a child care
centre which is able to accept your child. (You may be required to put your
name on a waiting list for subsidy with either the child care centre or the
subsidy caseworker). Should the centre be able to accept your child, it is
important that you determine what date your child can start and what the
daily fee will be for the kind of care you are seeking. Once this has been
done, you will contact the Child Care Subsidy Caseworker who will instruct
you on how to complete and finalize the application process.
How much will I have to pay for this space?
When you meet with the Child Care Subsidy Caseworker he or she will inform
you of how much government will pay to the centre towards your child’s
daily child care cost. You will be expected to bring proof of your earnings/income,
e.g. pay stub, and your Social Insurance Number to this meeting. Parents
who have a subsidized child care space are required to pay a minimum portion
of the child care fee. The least the parent will be required to pay is $
2.25 per day. This amount increases depending upon the family income, the
number of children receiving subsidy and the child care centre surcharge.
What is a surcharge?
A surcharge is the dollar amount between the government subsidy plus the parent
fee, and the dollar amount which is charged to a full-fee paying parent.
How do I pay?
Once the application process is complete your Child Care Subsidy Caseworker
will provide you with information on what is required of you depending on
whether you have a regular or portable child care subsidy. He or she will
also let you know how much you will be required to pay. You will pay your
portion of the child care centre fee directly to the centre based on their
payment policies. Child Care Centres then bill the Department of Community
Services for the difference. Be sure to keep copies of all forms related
to your subsidy application process.
What if I want to move my child to another child care centre?
If you have a portable child care subsidy it is possible to move your child
to another centre and take your subsidy with you providing the new centre
accepts portable subsidies. However, in order to do this, you must contact
your subsidy caseworker to initiate the re-application and approval process.
If you have a regular centre-based subsidy you will not be able to take it
with you. Check with the new child care centre to see if they have any subsidized
spaces available, and/or contact your Child Care Subsidy Caseworker to determine
the availability of a portable space. Should neither be available, you have
the option of placing your name on the waiting lists.
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