Starting or Operating a Child Care Centre

Get guidance and support for starting or running a licensed child care centre in Haldimand and Norfolk, including CWELCC details, funding, training, and health resources.

On this page

• Starting and opening a licensed child care centre
• Supports for children living with disabilities
• Professional resources
• Grants and funding
• Questions?

Starting and opening a licensed child care centre 

Prospective child care operators can visit the Ministry of Education website to: 

• Review an orientation package 
• Learn about the Child Care and Early Years Act 
• Refer to the Ministry's Planning and Design Guidelines for Child Care Centres

Individuals interested in becoming a licensed home childcare provider can contact Today’s Family.

Support for children living with disabilities

The Ontario Ministry of Education provides funding for special needs programs. 

We promote an inclusive child care model by supporting a range of service options for families. The Special Needs Resourcing Program provides services and supports to licensed child care, authorized recreation programs and licensed home child care. 

Licensed child care programs may apply for funding for additional staffing to make it possible for children (infants through 12 years of age) with special needs to be included in childcare programs. Funding is provided based on availability and eligibility. 

For a full listing of support services for children and families, visit the Ontario 211 website. 

Professional resources 

Professional learning and development strengthen and support early learning professionals in their daily interactions with children and families. The following links can help you get started:

• Ministry of Education
• College of Early Childhood Educators
• Community Living Haldimand
• Affiliated Services for Children and Youth | Making Hamilton the best place to raise a child

Grants and funding

Grants can help keep qualified child care professionals in the field and ensure families in Ontario have access to high-quality child care.

Available grants

• Wage Enhancement Grant (WEG): Adds up to $2/hour + 17.5% benefits for eligible child care staff in licensed centres or agencies 
• Home Child Care Enhancement Grant (HCCEG): Adds up to $20/day for eligible home child care providers contracted with an approved agency 
• Extra support: Agencies also get a $150 supplemental grant per eligible staff and $50 per home child care provider 

Workforce compensation funding 

Workforce compensation funding supports recruitment and retention of Ontario’s child care workforce through improved compensation for lower-wage earners. It includes: 

• Compensation enhancements for registered early childhood educator (RECE) staff (annual wage and wage floor increases) 
• Support to licensees for non-RECE staff (minimum wage offset) 

Who can apply? 

Licensed child care centres and home child care agencies can apply, including: 

• Centres/agencies not enrolled in CWELCC (Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care) serving kids 6–12 years 
• Centres/agencies enrolled in CWELCC serving kids 0–12 years 

Read more about eligibility requirements for WEG/HCCEG and workforce compensation in Chapter 3 of the Ontario Ministry of Education Financial Analysis and Accountability Branch website.