As of January 7, 2026, child care providers can renew their Child Care Operating Funding agreements and opt into the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement programs for the 2026-2027 funding year.
Over 2,000 child care facilities are already pre-approved to participate in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative for 2026-2027. Child Care Operating Funding agreements were sent out earlier this week and providers are encouraged to review their agreements carefully so they can confirm their participation by providing full approval of the terms.
As in previous years, providers joining the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative must start with fees that reflect typical rates in their region. Providers already participating may increase approved fees by up to 3% of the regional median fee.
As communicated to all recent applicants last week, the Province is not expanding the current $10-a-day program at this time. Providers who applied in the most recent intake must renew their Child Care Operating Funding agreements to avoid any interruptions in funding.
Please note an important policy shift in the fee reduction program: As of April 1, 2026, participating providers may only charge optional fees for extended hours after offering a minimum of 9.5 hours of care during regular operating hours.
For more information, please see the fee reduction funding guidelines or the wage enhancement funding guidelines. Important timelines and additional information is available on the Apply for or renew web page. If you have questions or need support, call 1-888-338-6622 (press 2), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.