Child Care and Early Years | Region of Durham

The Region of Durham Children's Services Division has a new name, "Child Care and Early Years Division," to better reflect the services and supports offered in the community. The Child Care and Early Years Division is the system manager for child care and early years programs across Durham Region. We are responsible for managing a coordinated and responsive early learning and child care system that supports children and their families in reaching their best potential.

The Child Care and Early Years Division strives to meet the diverse needs of children, families and the people who work with them. We support:

Families who need help with the daily cost of child care.
Children with special concerns and needs in licensed child care.
Educators and child care operators.
Families looking for licensed child care in the community or in our Regional Early Learning and Child Care Centres.
Families looking for EarlyON programs.

2023 to 2027 Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan

The 2023 to 2027 Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan is a comprehensive plan that focuses on system priorities as identified through consultation with the early learning and child care community, including families. The plan will guide the work of the Division, allowing for flexibility to respond to changes that may occur over time.

The Directed Growth Plan document provides details that will inform planning and approvals of expansion for the Regional Municipality of Durham that is eligible for Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) funding. This Appendix is updated annually as required to ensure the most current data is used for future planning.

2023 to 2027 Service Plan

Directed Growth Plan

2025 Service Plan update

The 2025 annual update highlights initiatives and accomplishments in meeting Service Plan priorities and shares the continued commitment to supporting Durham Region children and families.

2025 Service Plan update

CWELCC enrolment and expansion

Update: Spring 2026

An update was received from the Ministry of Education that a limited number of additional CWELCC spaces are now available. At this time, the online application remains closed.

Previously denied applications and requests submitted through the Child Care Licensing System (CCLS) are being reviewed to determine how these additional spaces will be allocated. If you previously submitted an application or CCLS request that is being considered, you will be contacted directly with further information.

Please monitor our Early Learning Updates and this webpage for updates.

To determine if an existing child care program has been enrolled in CWELCC, please visit the Child Care Directory or Program Locator.

Frequently asked questions for child care providers and families: Expanding CWELCC

What is the Region of Durham (the Region) doing to grow the number of affordable child care spaces?

The Region has created the maximum number of CWELCC spaces provided by the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education has capped the growth of CWELCC spaces until the end of 2026. New spaces are created according to the Region's Directed Growth Plan.

As the system manager for early learning and child care, the Region regularly flags barriers faced by families and providers in our communities. This includes asking the Ministry of Education for more CWELCC spaces for the Region to make finding affordable, quality child care easier for families.

What is directed growth?

Directed growth guides how and where new CWELCC spaces are created in the Region. The Region's Directed Growth Plan identifies areas and groups that need care most. This plan is required by the Ministry of Education and must meet the requirements given to us in their guidelines.

Why is directed growth important?

Directed growth helps make sure that funding and new CWELCC spaces go to communities and families that need them most. While it is recognized that more CWELCC spaces are needed in all of our communities, new spaces are created based on this plan.

How are priority groups identified?

Priority communities and groups are identified based on the Ministry of Education's guidelines and requirements for directed growth. The Region looks at local information such as population growth, how much child care is needed, family income levels, and current service levels. This helps show which neighbourhoods need the most support. The Region also looks at special local situations that may not show in the data, so decisions are fair and meet real community needs.

Can both not-for-profit nad for-profit service providers operate under CWELCC?

Yes. Both auspices (i.e., not-for profit and for-profit service providers) can apply for and operate under CWELCC, providing affordable child care spaces for families. The Region must consider the total number of spaces offered under each auspice (i.e., ratio) when approving new space creation as directed by the Ministry of Education and outlined in the Directed Growth Plan.

What happens if a request by a child care provider for CWELCC spaces does not meet the requirements of the Directed Growth Plan?

The Region cannot approve the creation of new CWLECC spaces that do not meet the Ministry of Education's requirements and the Directed Growth Plan. The Plan is reviewed and updated each year. Child Care providers may reapply for CWELCC spaces should the requirements change.

Will more CWELCC spaces be available before 2026?

The number of CWELCC spaces in the Region is capped by the Ministry of Education until the end of 2026. Any changes would depend on further direction from the Ministry and is not expected at this time.

What is the Region doing to advocate for more spaces?

The Region works closely with the Ministry of Education by sharing regular updates about the local child care system. The Region provides local information, points out where child care is needed most and asks for more CWELCC child care spaces to support the fast-growing communities across Durham Region.

Durham Region Children's Charter

On June 10, 2009 , The Durham Regional Council approved the Durham Region Child and Youth Charter – Children’s Charter. In partnership with the Durham Best Start Network, children and youth came together in 2009 to review the rights of children and describe what they mean to them, using their own words.