Ontario is a prime destination for young families looking to live, grow, and raise children. For most young families, having access to quality childcare is crucial as it enables them, especially mothers, to fully engage in the workforce, pursue education, and support their family without compromising on their children's care. As of March 2023, there were more than 5,770 licensed childcare centres, 148 licensed home childcare agencies, and around 505,000 licensed spaces in Ontario. Affordable childcare allows parents to advance their careers without the strain of high costs, leading to greater financial stability. By expanding access to affordable childcare we can invest in the well-being of children and families, bolster the economy, promote gender equality, and strengthen communities.
Ontario is taking the next step in lowering childcare fees for families as part of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system. Starting in January 2025, parent fees will be capped at $22 per day for children under the age of six in CWELCC programs, resulting in additional savings of nearly $300 million in 2025 for families. Since signing an agreement with the federal government in 2022 for their signature national program, Ontario has already reduced childcare fees by an average of 50 percent from 2020 levels, introduced its Child Care Workforce Strategy and launched a plan to create thousands of new licensed child care spaces in communities across the province.
To learn more, please follow this link: https://shorturl.at/Csnoy
JD Candidate- Rutgers Law School | Nonprofit Executive | Curator of Safe & Equitable Spaces for BIPOC Nonprofit Professionals
1wWinifred Smith-Jenkins