The Canada Wide Early Learning Child Care (CWELCC) system funding announcement on March 28, 2022 requires that Provincial Wage Enhancement (PWE) is accessed in order to be eligible for the new workforce funding. Given this new approach to workforce funding by the Province, the City will consider late applications for PWE from Agencies. The new deadline is November 1, 2022.
The Province of Ontario has confirmed that funding will continue for the 2022 PWE/HCCEG program. The City of Toronto has received the annual funding allocation and guidelines, including the new Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) threshold.
The City of Toronto administers the PWE / HCCEG program for all licensed child care and home child care agencies in Toronto. This program helps to retain the best possible child care professionals and close the wage gap between registered Early Childhood Educators working in schools and those working in licensed child care programs. In addition, the HCCEG supports home child care providers contracted with a licensed home child care agency.
As per Provincial directive to be eligible for Provincial Wage Enhancement, operators must continue to access and maximize federal financial supports where available and as eligible.
Check the status of an application 2022 PWE application status
| Activity | Open | Due | Key information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 PWE Reconciliation | January 21, 2022 | February 15, 2022 |
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| 2021 HCCEG Reconciliation | January 21, 2022 | February 15, 2022 |
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| 2022 PWE Application – Child Care Centres | February 1, 2022 | March 18, 2022 |
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| 2022 PWE / Home Child Care Enhancement Grant (HCCEG) Application | February 1, 2022 | March 18, 2022 |
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| 2022 Payment Schedule | Date | Group Centre & Home Child Care Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Payment: Q1, Q2 | Week of April 25, 2022 | covers January to June |
| 2nd Payment: Q3 | Week of June 27, 2022 | covers July to September |
| 3rd Payment: Q4 | Week of September 26, 2022 | covers October to December |
The PWE/HCCEG approved annualized amounts will be noted in the approval letters issued the week of April 16, 2022 and distribution of funds will be in three payments.
IMPORTANT: As per Provincial directive, the approach to COVID-19 remains the same for 2022 that all locations must continually maximize federal financial supports, where available and as eligible.
Operators are required to begin distribution of funds to all eligible positions / providers within 60 calendar days of receiving the payment. Please ensure your distribution policy/plan is in compliance with the current years Guidelines when distributing the funds.
Payment must include all hours worked retroactive to January 1, 2022 to the date the payment is being made to all eligible staff.
Application approval and payment for 2022 may be delayed for any agencies that have not submitted any required documentation including; audited financial statements / review engagement report or a PWE/HCCEG reconciliation for 2021, as required.
If a centre closes or changes ownership in 2022, Operators must notify Toronto Children’s Services in writing; complete and submit a distribution plan prior to further payments being released. The payment amount will cover the hours worked from January 1, 2022 to the last date of operation or operation under the previous management.
Before starting the application, carefully review the 2022 Provincial Wage Enhancement Guidelines for Child Care Centres.
Important – Operators who are applying for the first time and do not have a funding agreement with the City of Toronto must also provide:
* Direct Deposit Form: please email tcsfunding@toronto.ca to receive a copy for completion
Applications must be submitted online.
Additional required documentation must be emailed to tcsfunding@toronto.ca or mailed to:
Attention: Faye Jose, Director
Provincial Wage Enhancement Applications
Toronto Children’s Services
10th floor Metro Hall
55 John St
Toronto ON M5V 3C6
The 2022 Provincial Home Child Care Enhancement Grant applications will be emailed to the agency for the opening of the application on February 1, 2022.
Before starting the application, carefully review the 2022 Provincial Wage Enhancement Guidelines for Home Child Care Agencies to verify that you are eligible and to ensure that you are completing the application properly.
Your completed and signed application, the signed Terms and Conditions and any other required documentation can mailed to:
Attention: Faye Jose, Director
Provincial Wage Enhancement Applications
Toronto Children’s Services
10th floor Metro Hall
55 John St
Toronto ON M5V 3C6