Apply to the early learning and child care program
The Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program supports a high-quality, affordable, easily accessible, and inclusive licensed child care system.
As the demand for child care is expected to rise, Peel Region is continuously working to increase access to licensed child care for families in our community.
CWELCC expansion plan update
On March 31, 2025, Peel Region received updated CWELCC expansion direction from the Ministry of Education. Our expansion goal was increased to over 13,000 new spaces, which must be licensed and open by December 31, 2026. The Ministry of Education also adjusted our expansion auspice ratio, creating some capacity for commercial (for-profit) expansion.
We opened an application window for centre-based, commercial (for-profit) child care providers from May 5 to June 13. This window is now closed. We are not currently planning any further application windows for centre-based, commercial (for-profit) child care providers.
Centre based, non-profit child care providers and licensed home child care (LHCC) agencies can apply to participate in Peel's CWELCC program until September 29, subject to space and funding availability. Once this window closes, we will determine if additional spaces or funding are available to support further expansion.
We're currently accepting applications from both LHCC agencies and centre-based non-profit child care providers. Learn about our non-profit expansion in Peel.
For detailed information on eligibility requirements, refer to the CWELCC expansion plan and application process.
Centres
You can apply for Peel Region’s CWELCC expansion program if:
- You plan to create new licensed child care spaces for infants, toddlers, or preschoolers.
- Your expansion project will be licensed and operational by December 31, 2026.
LHCCs
You can apply for Peel Region's CWELCC expansion program if:
- You have a maximum of 2 inactive homes in your assigned capacity in Peel.
- Your expansion project will be licensed and operational by December 31, 2026.
We will approve a maximum of 5 new homes at a time. You may submit subsequent applications once your approved homes are licensed and active.
Before applying, check your eligibility and review the CWELCC expansion plan and application process, which lists all of Peel Region's expansion requirements and criteria for both LHCC agencies and centre-based, non-profit child care providers.
We encourage you to do thorough research to understand the communities in Peel that need licensed child care spaces and develop a business plan that shows how you will be viable.
Applicable to centres: You must receive Peel Region's approval to enroll in CWELCC before proceeding with municipal zoning or site plan approval, entering into a lease agreement, or purchasing a property. Peel Region is not responsible for financial costs that applicants incur before CWELCC expansion approval, and applicants who choose to incur these costs do so at their own risk.
Early years and child care (EYCC) mapping tool
We will consider expansion applications across all of Peel, with continued priority given to programs that serve areas within a 2 km radius of identified priority communities. To identify the priority communities for expansion, use the EYCC mapping tool. Select "CWELCC Expansion" under the legend.
LHCC agencies are encouraged, but not required, to open homes in priority communities.
This tool will be updated regularly so you will know where there is still a need for child care spaces.
We updated our mapping tool and all priority communities are now green. If you have trouble accessing the mapping tool link, update your Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser to the latest version. Clear all temporary files before viewing the EYCC mapping tool.
Review the CWELCC expansion plan and application process before you start the application process. If you're interested in participating in the CWELCC program:
- Complete a CWELCC expansion application
- Email us your completed application with the subject line "CWELCC Expansion Application" by September 29, 2025.
The CWELCC expansion application contains detailed information about application requirements, including a completeness checklist to ensure you submit all necessary information. If you do not submit a complete application, there will be delays in processing your submission.
Depending on application volume, it may take us up to 4 weeks to complete our review and get back to you with the results.
Expansion funding
You may use the CWELCC expansion application to apply for expansion funding available in 2025. The expansion funding can be used to support costs required to meet the Ministry of Education’s licensing requirements when creating new licensed child care spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Child care centres must use expansion funding for eligible project expenses that create new licensed spaces through retrofits, leasehold improvements, expansions, additions, or new construction, and may include equipment and furniture specifically for the new licensed spaces.
LHCC agencies must use expansion funding to purchase equipment and furniture specifically for the new homes.
Review the CWELCC expansion plan and application process and the funding guidelines to learn more about expansion funding.
Funding guidelines
Before applying, you must read and understand Peel Region's 2025 CWELCC funding guideline, which is available under the funding support and resources section.
If you are approved for expansion funding, you can refer to:
If you have questions or need more information about early years and child care and CWELCC expansion in Peel, email us.
Learn more about the funding resources available to licensed providers.
The reviewing and approval process of applications:
- Does not guarantee approval into the CWELCC program.
- Is subject to Peel’s review as well as funding and space availability.
- Includes review against provincial requirements and Peel Region’s specific criteria.
To know how applications are assessed and approved, review Peel Region's updated CWELCC expansion plan and application process.
We have streamlined our funding agreements to build an inclusive, accessible, and affordable child care system.
As a part of our CWELCC program, approved child care providers in Peel Region will enter an EYCC Funding Agreement. This agreement requires providers to:
- Accept and include children who receive child care subsidy.
- Accept and include children who need extra support by actively participating in Peel Inclusion Resource Services (PIRS).
- Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives like Raising the Bar in Peel and professional learning opportunities.
Review licensing requirements
Before you apply, review the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and Ontario Regulation 137/15.
How to start a child care program in Ontario
If you are interested in opening a child care centre or home, review these resources before you apply for a licence:
- Child care licensing manual
- Home child care licensing manual
- Before and after school program licensing guideline
- Ministry of Education child care centre planning and design guidelines
You can find more information from the Ministry of Education on how to start a child care program.