Child Care Fee Subsidy

What is child care fee subsidy?

Families living in the County of Huron may qualify to have all or part of their child care paid by the County of Huron, when child care is provided by a licensed centre or an approved home child care provider. Eligibility is determined under guidelines set by the Ministry of Community and Social Services/Children's Ministry under the Day Nurseries Act.

Do you have to be a working parent to receive fee subsidy?

Parents/caregivers need to be involved in a work or school activity to receive financial assistance with the cost of child care.

What is the income cut-off to qualify?

Families with an annual net income under $20,000.00 are financially eligible for full subsidy. Families with a net income over $20,000.00 may be eligible for partial subsidy.

Are my RRSP's and RESP's considered when I apply?

Financial eligibility for child care subsidy is based on income only. Assets, debt and living expenses are not considered under the Income Test.

How do I apply?

Face-to-face applications are completed at the Ontario Early Years Centre, just south of Clinton. At that time, families need to bring all required financial verification.

Growing Together

What is Growing Together?

Growing Together is a team of Early Literacy Resource Consultants who provide hands-on assistance to teach a skill, model techniques for caregivers, service co-ordination, screening of children's development, and otherwise assist families to set goals for their child.

Is there a cost for the service?

No, there is no cost for this service; it is publicly funded through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

How do I access, or refer a child to the service?

An online referral form is available, or you may contact the program at 519.482.8505. Completed forms can be faxed to 519.482.5710.

Where will you see my child?

An Early Literacy/Resource Consultant is available to see your child at your home, in a licensed child care program, Early Years program, or licensed home child care location.

How/where can I contact you?

You can call us at 519.482.8505, send a fax to 519.482.5710, or email us through the Contact Us page of this website.

Huron County Community Home Child Care

How do I find out who the Providers are in my community?

Information on approved Home Child Care Providers is available by calling Huron County Children Services at 519.482.8505. We will record your name, address and phone number as well as your child care needs; referrals to approved homes in your requested community will then be provided.

Do I have a choice of homes?

You will receive information on all available homes; you must then arrange individual interviews or meetings with each provider independently to determine your preference. Providers can accept or decline any family that is referred to them.

How do I register?

After selecting a home, you must complete the home child care registration package, including mandatory immunization records, parents' contact information, health information, consents and alternate pick up persons. Registration forms must be submitted to the Huron County Community Home Child Care office prior to starting at the provider's home.

Who do I pay?

All parent fees are collected by Huron County Children's Service Department. Families can apply for Child Care Subsidy to determine if they must pay full fees or are eligible for subsidy. Monthly statements are completed by mail. Fee payment policies are available upon request.

Why should I choose an "approved" home?

The number of children in a home often influences the quality of care. Approved homes agree to regulate the maximum number of children they care for in their home, including their own children younger than six. Providers complete daily learning activities with your children, monthly fire drills, document meals and snacks as well as providing mandatory outdoor time.

How do "approved" homes differ from a private home childcare provider?

The only difference between a non-approved and an approved childcare provider is the number of children they may legally care for. Ontario's Ministry of Children and Youth provides guidelines on the maximum number of children that any childcare provider may look after. More information on Licensed Day Care and regulations for numbers of children in private homes is available from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services at 1.800.265.4197.

How can I contact you?

Huron County Community Home Child Care is managed by the County's Children's Service Manager. Our office is located in the Jacob Memorial Building, 77722D London Road, RR 5, Clinton, Ontario. You can contact us at 519.482.5710 or 1.888.371.5718, or email us through the Contact Us section of this web site.

Ontario Early Years

What is the Ontario Early Years Centre?

The Ontario Early Years Centre is a place where parents and caregivers of children up to six years of age can participate in early learning activities and parenting programs. Here you can talk with early learning professionals, ask questions, meet and interact with other families, and learn valuable information about parenting and child development.

Which program is best for my child?

The Ontario Early Years Centre offers many different programs for children from birth up to age six. The program name suggests a target age for games and activities, but all programs are adjusted to suit the age of the children in the group.

Do I stay with my child?

Yes. Ontario Early Years Centres offer interactive, early learning programs for parent and child.

Is childcare provided for parent workshops?

Yes. Parents/Caregivers are required to register ahead of time and inform our staff if childcare is needed so appropriate staffing can be arranged.

Do I have to register ahead of time for programs?

No. Registration is not required for Ontario Early Years' community and main centre early learning playgroups. Some of our formal parent workshops do require registration so we can accommodate for childcare and give our guest speakers approximate numbers. Whenever pre-registration is required, it will be clearly noted with the workshop details.

What Early Years programs are going on in my community?

Ontario Early Years monthly calendars are posted online for each outreach community. You can also call toll free 1.888.371.5718 and one of our staff will advise you about the programming provided in your community.

Can I bring my child over 6 years of age?

No. Ontario Early Years programs are developmentally appropriate for children aged birth to six years only.