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Early Learning and Child Care Inclusion Funding

ELCC Inclusion Funding assists licensed centre-based ELCC programs to obtain the necessary supports for children with diverse developmental needs to access early learning. This may include children who need enhanced or individual supports to be included within the same early learning environment or setting as their peers. It may involve using specialized approaches, tools and materials, and additional staff to enhance the staff: child ratio to enable children to be successful in their learning environment. 

Program Focus

• Inclusion Staff funding is available to hire a staff member to provide support for one child who can not otherwise safely attend programming (one-to-one support), or to hire a staff member to support multiple children when the staff:child ratio does not allow for a safe and effective learning environment (one-to-multiple support).
• Program consultation funding is available to hire a consultant to help staff increase their skills and knowledge to better support children who have enhanced or complex developmental needs. Up to $15K can be available per licensed centre-based facility. Organizations with 3 or more licensed site locations can receive up to a maximum of $45K.  The Consultant must be certified with a national body associated with a recognized leader in child development. A quote from the contractor including the cost and a description of how the consultation will promote inclusion of children with enhanced or complex needs is required. This funding is not meant to hire a full-time staff member. Programs who access this funding on one year may not be successful in following years depending on the number of requests received.
• Inclusion Grants are available for licensed centre-based early learning and child care to access resources and staff training to assist with the development of inclusive programming. 

How to apply

Complete the application form and ensure that all sections are complete. Gather all required documents as indicated on the application forms.

Inclusion Staff required documents:

• Inclusion Staff Application
  • One to One Support
  • One to Multiple Child Support
• SCIP Recommendation to Support Form
  • This form is requested to support for the need to hire an Inclusion Staff member. It can also provide program operators with strategies to support child participation in their early learning environment. It can be completed by a specialist in early childhood who is external to the program requesting the funds including a pediatrician, rehabilitation specialist, diagnostic clinic. In lieu of access to a specialist to complete this form, contact your Regional Early Childhood Consultant to complete an observation of the child in your program.
• SCIP Renewal Form
  • To request continuation of one-to-one staffing from one fiscal year to the next.

Program Consultation required documents:

• Application for Program Consultation Funding
• Quote from consultant outlining services and cost is required

Inclusion Grants required documents:

• Resources to Support Participation Application Form
  • A budget for identified resources is required
  • Information about the resources may be attached
• Staff Development Grant Application Form
  • A description of the training opportunity is required

Mandatory Program Criteria

Funding must be used within licensed centre-based ELCC for children from birth to six years old. SCIP is not available for programming within the public education system. Projects funded by SCIP must include child participation to promote access to early learning and have developmentally appropriate activities for young children.

Eligible Applicants

Licensed centre-based early learning and child care programs.

Funding Available

The amount applicants receive is determined on a per application basis and available funding. Approved requests will be funded on a first-come first-served basis until the SCIP allocation is spent.

Funding is available on an annual basis within a fiscal year. If a child requires continued one-to-one Inclusion Staff, a renewal form may be used to continue support.

Inclusion Staff wages are determined by Schedule E of the Early Learning and Child Care Regulations.

Submit your application

Submit your application by Filedrop:

• Save the application form to your computer
• Fully complete the application form
• Follow this link to Filedrop. Authenticate your email and then upload your application to Filedrop.

By applying, applicants agree to the terms and conditions.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, which means that they are continually accepted and reviewed at specific intake periods.

Funding decisions on complete application packages will be communicated to applicants within a month of their submission.