Child Care Subsidy

For information please call 519 344-2057

• The County of Lambton's Children Services Department provides eligible parents/legal guardians with help for their child care costs under the Provincial Day Nurseries Act and the County Child Care Policy.
• The County purchases child care spaces/services from agencies throughout Lambton County.
• The Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services licenses child care agencies within the County of Lambton.
• Families can view information about agencies` programs, hours of operation, most recent licenses, and more by visiting www.ontario.ca 

Information Required For Child Care Subsidy Application

The Following Information is MANDATORY by All Applicants, Spouses and Children at each Subsidy Application and Annual Update:

Personal Data: (Required for all Family Members)

•  Birth Certificate or Passport or Landing Papers or Canadian Citizenship Card
•  Social Insurance Card
•  Health Card

Proof of Current Address

•  Mortgage Agreement (or)
•  Rent Receipt or Lease (or)
•  Current Utility Bill (or)
•  Driver's License

If Separated/Divorced

• Copy of Your Separation/Custody Agreement

Income Verification

• Copy of Federal Notice of Assessment for previous year (Government Issued Income Tax Return Document). If you do not have your assessment, an application for subsidy cannot be completed.

· To order a replacement call 1-800-959-8281.

• 
  Pay Verification for the last 4 weeks (full or part time).
• 
  If you have just started or starting employment, a letter from your Employer showing start date, rate of pay and           weekly work schedule.
• 
  OSAP Assessment - if currently attending a Post-Secondary Program.

School Verification

• 
  Copy of Your Current Timetable/Class Schedule 

Who Can Qualify for Child Care Subsidy?

• Children whose parents/legal guardians (living in Lambton County) are employed, attending school or in a job-oriented training program .                                                                                                                                  
• Children who would benefit from child care that are at risk or in need of social interaction as assessed by a recognized referral agency.

Approval for Child Care Subsidy

Approval for child care subsidy is based on approved activities according to:

• work hours.
• school schedule.
• special needs requirements.
• an ontario works activity as determined by a case worker. 

How Have the Child Care Subsidy Rules Changed? 

Effective January 1, 2007, income testing was introduced in the province of Ontario. To apply for subsidy, applicants must file an income tax return.

Recent immigrants to Canada may still apply for child care subsidy, but will need to provide income tax information when filing their first tax return.

What Can I Expect To Pay? 

Subsidy is based on net family income. Try the subsidy calculator provided in the left menu bar to determine approximate cost per family.

Parents Responsibilities

(Before Child Care Subsidy)

• Choose a location - contact the agency to determine compatibility of meeting your child's needs
• Contact the subsidy office - schedule and attend a meeting with the Child Care Case Worker
• Provide the required documentation
• Complete the application
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for paying the full cost of care until the approved subsidy start date is confirmed

(After Child Care Subsidy is Approved)

At the time of application, parents will be informed of a number of rights and responsibilities. Some of these responsibilities include:

• Parents must renew the child care subsidy arrangements before they expire
• Parents must give child care agencies two weeks notice before withdrawing their child from care
• Children are permitted to have 20 absent days per year. More than 20 days of absences will result in the parent being charged the full fee by the child care agency

For more information call 519 344-2057