WAGE ENHANCEMENT AND HOME CHILDCARE ENHANCEMENT GRANT

WHAT

The Province of Ontario has recently introduced a new program intended to provide wage enhancement for program staff working in the Licensed Child Care Sector. In summary:

• 'Wage Enhancement' will support up to $ 2.00 per hour, plus 17.5% benefits, for Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) and other Child Care Staff working in Licensed Child Care Centres. 
• 'Home Child Care Enhancement Grant' will support an increase of up to $ 20.00 per day for Home Child Care Providers under contract with Licensed Home Child Care Agencies.
• The Province has committed $ 269 Million over 3 years to support its wage enhancement program across the Province of Ontario.

WHY

Enhanced compensation is intended to:

• Help 'close the gap' between compensation of RECEs working in School Board Kindergarten Classrooms compared to compensation of RECEs working in Licensed Child Care Programs.
• Help stabilize Licensed Child Care Programs by assisting Operators with staff retention
• Support greater employment and income security.

HOW

• Lanark County is responsible for managing implementation at the local level in accordance with recently released Provincial Guidelines and local Municipal Policy.
• It is up to Licensed Child Care Operators to apply for funding for all eligible staff positions.  

WHEN
Deadline has passed - Those whom have submitted applications will receive notice shortly

APPLICATION
Application for Provincial Wage Enhancement Funding - Child Care Centres & Home Visitors (2018)

Provincial Home Child Care Enhancement Grant Application Instructions - Private Home Child Care Agency (2018)

RESOURCES
Wage Enhancement Q and A's
Letter to Providers