Early childhood program operating subsidy
Overview
Early Childhood Program (ECP) operating subsidy assists licensed early learning and child care programs (licensed programs) with the day-to-day costs of running a licensed program. This funding helps child care providers maintain quality early learning child care for the community.
As of April 1, 2023, licensed family day home operators are eligible to receive the Early Childhood Program Operating Subsidy for child care spaces filled by their own children between birth to 11 years of age.
Available funding
The ECP operating subsidy is an attendance-based quarterly contribution through which early learning and child care providers receive a fixed daily rate per attending child.
Funding is calculated based on the type of program and location (zone).
Full-time daily rates for the ECP operating subsidy
| Type of child care space | Zone A | Zone B |
|---|---|---|
| Infant/special needs | $35.75 | $49.66 |
| Pre-school (family day home) | $14.17 | $19.81 |
| Pre-school (centre-based) | $19.67 | $27.51 |
| Out-of-school (family day home) | $4.27 | $5.01 |
| Out-of-school (centre-based) | $8.97 | $10.96 |
| Out-of-school PD days (centre-based) | $12.00 | $16.80 |
Note:
- Part-time spaces are funded at half the full-time rate.
- Programs located in government-owned buildings, including schools, are funded at 75%.
Deadline
Applications can be submitted at anytime; payments are made quarterly.
Eligibility
- Licensed early learning and child care programs that participate in the Child Care Fee Reduction (CCFR) Subsidy.
How to apply
Contact the Early Childhood Consultant in your region.
Contact us
For questions about applying for this subsidy, contact the Early Childhood Consultant in your region from Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm.