Raising a child in North York comes with many rewards — and a fair share of financial considerations, especially when it comes to child care. The good news is that families in this part of Toronto have access to multiple layers of support designed to make licensed day care more affordable.

In 2025, the two most important systems are the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program and the Toronto Child Care Fee Subsidy. Together, they can significantly reduce what parents pay out of pocket, and they can be combined with federal and provincial benefits to help balance the family budget.

The CWELCC $22-a-Day Cap 

Ontario is part of the federal CWELCC agreement, which aims to bring child care rental fees to an average of $10 over time. From 1 January 2025, Ontario will spend $22 per day for children under the age of six in the CWELCC-enrolled licensed children's care centers and home child care agencies.

For North York parents, this means that if your day care participates in CWELCC, you'll automatically pay the reduced rate, no income test required. These savings apply before any other supplement, making CWELCC the first and most universal cost-saving layer.

Not every daycare participates in CWELCC, so it's important to check with the provider or look at the City of Toronto's licensed child care listings to confirm.

Toronto Child Care Fee Subsidy 

 For families that meet certain income and activity requirements, the Toronto Child Care Fee Subsidy can lower costs even further. This program is available to the citizens who need childcare because they work, seek work, participate in school or training, or have a specific or social need.

Financial eligibility is based on your household income, and you must file your taxes each year to remain eligible. You'll also need to choose a licensed provider that accepts the subsidy — many centres in North York do.

Applying early is crucial. The City operates a waitlist, and you can apply as soon as you know you'll need care, even before securing a spot. Applications and document submissions are handled through the City's My Child Care Account portal, which also lets you track your place on the waitlist.

How the Two Systems Work Together 

When a North York daycare participates in CWELCC, the posted daily fee is reduced to the provincial cap before any City Subsidy is applied. The subsidy then calculates your parent contribution based on your income, meaning that many families pay far less than the capped rate — in some cases, just a few dollars per day. 

This combined effect is why understanding and applying for both programs can make such a dramatic difference in your household budget.

Additional Financial Support for Families 

Beyond CWELCC and the City subsidy, families in North York may qualify for other forms of assistance:

•  Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – A tax-free monthly payment to help with the cost of raising children under 18. For July 2025 to June 2026, the maximum is $7,997 per child under six and $6,748 per child aged 6–17, depending on income.

•  Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) – A monthly payment for low- to moderate-income families, worth up to about $1,727 per child annually.

•  Child Disability Benefit (CDB) – For families with a child eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, up to $3,411 per year is available.

•  Child Care Expense Deduction – Allows you to deduct eligible childcare expenses on your income tax return, potentially lowering your taxable income. 

While these benefits aren't tied directly to daycare programs, they can significantly improve monthly cash flow and help cover the remaining portion of childcare fees.

Making Affordable Daycare a Reality in North York 

Navigating the costs of Daycare in North York can make it feel overwhelming, but knowing your options and how they fit together can make a big difference.

Start by identifying licensed programs near your home or work and check if they are CWELCC-enrolled. Apply for the Toronto Child Care Fee Subsidy as early as possible, and collect all necessary documents so that you are ready when a place is available. From there, factor in federal and provincial benefits to get a complete picture of the budget.

With the right combination of support, high-quality, licensed day care can be within access to several families, providing the best start for children, and helping parents work, study, and maintain a balanced family life.