Child Care Subsidies

High-quality child care supports healthy child development and helps children arrive at school ready to learn. It also helps parents balance work, education and family life.

Who can apply

To qualify for a child care subsidy in St. Thomas and Elgin County, you must:

• live in St. Thomas or Elgin County
• have legal status in Canada
• be working, self-employed or attending school during the hours your child needs care, along with your spouse if you have one
• meet the financial need threshold, based on your most recent Notice of Assessment, or qualify for social assistance

Your child may also qualify if they have diagnosed special needs.

If you work: we generally provide child care assistance for the days and hours you work.

If you are a student: you must attend school or a recognized training program regularly. We provide child care for the days and hours you attend classes.

If you are self-employed: you must be actively engaged full-time in a registered business and claim business expenses against your income. You will need to provide documentation, including your business number.

Eligibility through Ontario Works

If you participate in employment assistance activities under the Ontario Works Act, you may be eligible for fee subsidy funding for children up to 12 years old, for the hours you spend in:

• employment
• a training program
• an educational program
• another approved employment assistance activity documented in your participation agreement, if no other parent in your household can care for your child

The Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) program supports teen parents on social assistance to finish high school and build parenting skills. LEAP participants receive the highest priority for subsidized child care if a waiting list is in effect.

Steps to apply

1. Choose a licensed child care program. Search the OneHSN Child Care Registry to find a program with an open space, and consider meeting the staff to confirm it is a good fit for your child.
2. Call our Intake Line. Call 519-631-9350 or 1-800-265-4362 and select option 3 to book an appointment. We see parents and caregivers by appointment only.
3. Attend your appointment. A Child Care Subsidy Coordinator will review your situation and determine whether you qualify.

What to bring to your appointment

• your most recent Notice of Assessment
• proof of address
• birth certificates for you and your children
• proof of employment, school registration or a therapeutic referral
• 2 recent pay stubs for you and your spouse, if applicable
• your current custody, separation or guardianship agreement

How much you pay

We calculate your child care fee using your most recent Notice of Assessment or Reassessment. You must file an income tax return each year to keep your subsidy, and pay your assessed fee directly to your child care provider.

Keeping your subsidy

Contact your Child Care Subsidy Coordinator if your situation changes, including your marital status, address, family size, employment, schooling or Ontario Works activity. Some changes require an in-person eligibility review.

If you no longer need child care, or you are switching providers, give us and your child care provider 2 weeks' notice. If you do not give 2 weeks' notice, you are responsible for the full cost of care.

Respond to all letters and submit requested information by the deadline. If you do not report a change, you may lose your subsidy.

Disagree with a decision?

Contact your Child Care Subsidy Coordinator with most concerns. If you disagree with a subsidy decision, you can appeal by submitting a letter explaining your reason for the appeal. We will review your appeal and let you know our decision.

Note

• failing to report a change in your situation may result in the suspension of your child care fee subsidy