Child Care and Early Years
The Children's Services Division (CSD) is the system manager for early learning and child care in Durham Region. The Children's Services Division is responsible for managing a coordinated and responsive early learning and child care system that supports children and their families in reaching their best potential.
Announced on April 2, the Region of Durham purchased the former Grandview Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre building at 600 Townline Road in Oshawa for future use to deliver Regional services. This site is an ideal location to offer community-based child care early years programs and services. There is a lot of excitement about this site's potential to serve the growing community. The Children's Services Division looks forward to beginning its work reviewing the space and making plans to start offering programs and services at this new location. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
2023 to 2027 Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan
The 2023 to 2027 Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan is a comprehensive plan that focuses on system priorities as identified through consultation with the early learning and child care community, including families. The plan will guide the work of the Children's Services Division, allowing for flexibility to respond to changes that may occur over time.
2023 to 2027 Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan
The 2024 annual report outlines initiatives and accomplishments in meeting our Service Plan priorities and shares the continued commitment to supporting Durham Region children and families.
2024 Service Plan update
Directed Growth Plan - Appendix 1
The Directed Growth Plan represents Appendix 1 of the 2023 to 2027 Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan. This document provides details that will inform planning and approvals of expansion for the Regional Municipality of Durham that is eligible for Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) funding. This Appendix will be updated annually as required to ensure the most current data is used for future planning.
Application for expansion or enrolment in CWELCC
Applications for expansion is closed. Space allocation is complete up to the end of 2025.
CWELCC Operators
To determine if a child care program has been enrolled in CWELCC, please visit our Child Care Directory or Program Locator:
Child Care Directory
Child Care Program Locator
Regional Details |
|
Approved child care expansion projects must align with Durham Region's 2023 to 2027 Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan including Durham’s plan for directed growth. Growth will focus on priority neighbourhoods determined by variables that incorporate equity of access, demographics, socio-economic indicators, existing licensed child care capacity, and annual directed growth targets for Durham Region. Licensees interested in participating in the CWELCC system must apply to the Region of Durham, Children’s Services Division for confirmation that their project aligns with the regional-directed growth plan and falls within space targets. If the project location and proposed capacity align with the regional plan, the licensee will be required to provide additional financial information as part of the application process. |
Background and Licensing |
|
Every application submitted to the Ministry of Education for a licence to operate a child care centre or a home child care agency must include:
Similar documentation will be required from licensees applying for a revised licence to increase existing licensed capacity. Applications for a licence to operate a child care centre must include proof that the premises is zoned appropriately at the time of application. |
Information and Contact Details |
|
Licensees not currently operating in Durham: If you are interested in opening new child care programs under the CWELCC system and are not currently operating a child care centre in Durham, please reference this page for updates and information. Due to the high volume of calls, we ask for your understanding and diligence to monitor web information, as individual information-seeking calls may take time to be responded to. CWELCC Opt-Out licensing forms: Licensees who are seeking sign-off on license applications that will opt out of CWELCC can email their completed forms to childcareoperators@durham.ca for processing. |
On June 10, 2009 , The Durham Regional Council approved the Durham Region Child and Youth Charter – Children’s Charter. In partnership with the Durham Best Start Committee, children and youth came together in 2009 to review the rights of children and describe what they mean to them, using their own words.
The Children's Services Division strives to meet the diverse needs of children, families and the people who work with them. We support:
- Families who need help with the daily cost of child care.
- Children with special concerns and needs in licensed child care.
- Educators and child care operators.
- Families looking for licensed child care in the community or in our Regional Early Learning and Child Care Centres.
- Families looking for EarlyON programs.
Contact Us