Estimate monthly licensed daycare cost in your province after the CWELCC subsidy reductions. Compare provinces, age groups, and full-time vs part-time schedules.
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Average post-CWELCC rate in ON
$411/ month
Daily rate: $19/day per child (licensed centre, post-CWELCC subsidy)
Annual: $4,936
Compare to the federal target of $10/day by March 2026.
Estimates for licensed not-for-profit centres after the federal Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) reductions. Rates have dropped significantly since 2022: most provinces now charge between $10 and $25/day, down from $50–$80/day in 2021. Quebec runs a separate $9.10/day contributed-rate program. Unlicensed and home-based care often costs more (CWELCC subsidies don’t apply). Subsidies for low-income families can further reduce these rates — check with your provincial early-learning ministry.
The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care rollout
Since 2022, the federal CWELCC program has been reducing licensed daycare fees province by province. Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nunavut and Yukon have already hit the federal $10/day target. Saskatchewan and Quebec are at $10/day and $9.10/day respectively. Ontario and BC are still working their way down — current averages sit between $12 and $25/day depending on age group and licensed status.
Infant vs toddler vs preschool rates
Infant care (under 18 months) is the most expensive because licensed centres need a 1:3 staff-to-child ratio. Toddler ratios drop to 1:5 and preschool to 1:8 (or 1:10 in some provinces), so older-child rates are typically 30–50 % lower per day. The $10/day federal target is an average across all age groups, not a flat rate.
Wait lists are real
Licensed daycare wait lists in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal can run 12–24 months. Get on lists at multiple centres as soon as you know you’re expecting. Most charge a small refundable deposit ($100–$200) to hold your place.
This tool is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed Canadian healthcare professional. Read our full disclaimer.