The implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system has delivered reduced fees, a huge win for Ontario families. But as demand skyrockets, the system is straining under severe pressure, particularly around access, quality, and the stability of the child care workforce.
Recently, Building Blocks for Child Care (B2C2) conducted a sector-wide survey to better understand the funding challenges faced by child care providers. Based on the findings, we have produced a report titled “CWELCC Funding Formula Issues and Solutions Prioritization Report”, which overviews key barriers and corresponding solutions with the current funding formula. Child care providers and advocates across Ontario have identified the most critical flaws in the province’s CWELCC funding formula. This report presents their prioritized concerns, showing a unanimous agreement that current funding is insufficient to deliver accessibility, equity, and long-term sustainability. Their message is a call to action, demanding coordinated, transparent, and needs-based reforms to stabilize and strengthen the child care system for everyone involved.
Below is a summary of the key findings from our report.
Key Findings: The Four Most Urgent Priorities for CWELCC Reform
Our survey asked providers and advocates to rate various funding-related issues on a 1-to-10 priority scale. The results revealed a decisive consensus on where Ontario needs to focus its investment and policy efforts:
Workforce Compensation and Retention received the highest priority rating (average 9.5/10), highlighting the urgent need for a province-wide wage grid, increased benefits funding, and the inclusion of all essential staff, including pedagogical leads and home child care providers.
Inclusion and Equity (8.88/10), Capital and Facility Costs (8.75/10), Growth and Expansion (8.75/10), and Sustainability (8.63/10) were also ranked as high-priority issues, pointing to the systemic underfunding of infrastructure, supports for marginalized families, and mechanisms to keep pace with inflation and community growth.
The Budget Reconciliation Process also received a relatively high average score of 8.13/10, with respondents citing the inefficiencies and administrative burden created by site-based budget reconciliation for multi-site agencies
Our Call to Action
By prioritizing a well-compensated workforce, addressing infrastructure needs, and ensuring funding mechanisms are equitable and sustainable, we can build a child care system that truly serves the families of Ontario.
We sent this report, together with a letter signed by numerous experienced child care operators and supporting organizations to the Ministry of Education. We intend to demonstrate the broad sectoral support for the recommendations we have made. An accessible and high quality child care system is not possible without the support of child care providers and advocates who are best positioned to understand the current funding challenges faced by the sector. If you are an operator or a supporting organization that is interested in adding your name to the growing list of signatures, please contact [email protected] or fill out the form below.
