Memorandum To :Chief Administrative Officers,General Managers and/or Directors, Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs) and District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs)
From: Holly Moran
Assistant Deputy Minister
Early Years and Child Care Division
Ministry of Education
Subject: Update: Implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan between the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada
Following the ministry communication on April 12, 2022, regarding the implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System, the ministry has updated the Addendum to Ontario Child Care and EarlyON Child and Family Centres Service Management and Funding Guideline (2022) (“CWELCC Guidelines”) to provide clarity and further assist CMSMs/DSSABs and Licensees with implementing the CWELCC System across the province.
As we work together to implement the first phase of the CWELCC System, the feedback that we have received from CMSMs and DSSABs and the broader child care sector has been instrumental. The ministry recognizes that the implementation of the CWELCC system is a significant undertaking and is committed to continuing to support service system managers and licensees to ensure timely implementation and the ongoing provision of safe, quality and accessible child care for families.
CWELCC Guidelines– Updates
The ministry has updated the 2022 CWELCC Guidelines and O. Reg 137/15 to address key concerns raised by operators and service system managers. Some key changes that have been made to better support participation in the CWELCC System include:
• Extending enrolment dates for licensees to sign on to the CWELCC system to November 1, 2022.
• Directing service system managers to process applications and confirm eligibility within 10 calendar days of date of application.
• Directing service system managers and licensees to execute an agreement within 30 calendar days of date of application, and,
• Requiring licensees to provide rebates to families within 20 calendar days of receiving funding.
• Confirming that licensees applying to the CWELCC System may withdraw their application at any time, or terminate their participation in the System, subject to the terms of their CWELCC System service agreement. CMSMs/DSSABs may not impose any penalties related to a licensee’s termination.
• Clarifying that licensees operating as for-profit corporations or individuals can continue to earn profit and licensees operating as not-for-profit corporations will be permitted a surplus amount to build reserves or re-invest in the organization.
In addition, the ministry has added principles for CMSM/DSSABs in the updated CWELCC Guidelines to help support implementation and clarify focus for the year ahead including a focus on quality, a commitment to ongoing processing of applications and timely rebates and cost reductions for parents, protection for for-profit and non- profit spaces and a commitment to an efficient administrative system focused on collection of minimally necessary information from licensees.
The ministry will continue to respond by making any necessary adjustments as the early years and child care landscape evolves and as we continue to receive feedback from child care partners to support implementation of CWELCC system.
For a full summary of all the changes and principles please reference the CWELCC Guidelines and the amended O. Reg 137/15.
Next Steps
As aligned with the Minister’s letter, service system managers will be required to share an example of a standard agreement between a licensee and the service system manager for the provision of CWELCC funding by August 29, 2022 and meet corresponding deadlines for the processing of applications.
Consultations have begun with the Minister’s Advisory Group, to support the development of the Child Care Funding Formula (CCFF). The CCFF intends to promote greater equitability, predictability, transparency and responsiveness, while reducing administrative burden. The ministry appreciates the Minister’s Advisory Group for their ongoing support and contributions to the development of a new CCFF which is planned for implementation in 2023.
Late this summer/fall, the ministry plans to consult with child care partners on additional CWELCC priorities, including workforce recruitment and retention and the development of a growth and inclusion framework to support space expansion priorities as well as the needs of vulnerable and diverse populations including Indigenous, Francophone, Black and other racialized, newcomer, low-income and children with special needs. CMSMs/DSSABs will be expected to develop space expansion plans and will need to build upon existing community service plans, for submission to the ministry in late 2022.
This is truly a pivotal and exciting time for the child care sector and we look forward to your continued partnership in the months ahead. My sincere thanks to all service system managers and staff who have put in tremendous amount of work and dedication to implement the CWELCC System and their steadfast commitment to the child care sector.
If you have any questions regarding this package please contact your Early Years
Advisor (EYA). A listing of EYAs can be found on the ministry website.
Sincerely,
Original signed by
Holly Moran
Assistant Deputy Minister
Early Years and Child Care Division
Ministry of Education
c:Early Years Advisors, Programs and Service Integration Branch
Financial Analysts, Financial Accountability and Data Analysis Branch
Attachments:
•Update to the Addendum to Ontario Child Care and EarlyON Child and Family Centres Service Management and Funding Guideline (2022) ‘CWELCC Guidelines’