Applying for $10-a-day child-care leaves city daycares confused ahead of looming deadline

A number of child-care providers in London, Ont. signing up for the $10-a-day care program from the Ontario government say there still aren't enough details beyond the application forms.

The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) funding gives providers until Nov. 1 to opt in or opt-out of the deal. According to Trevor Fowler, Director of Child Care and Early Years at the City of London, 175 sites have so far opted in for $10-a-day child care. Eleven agencies have opted out of the program.

The $13.2-billion deal from the federal and provincial government was announced last March, promising parents in Ontario a 25 per cent rebate on child care costs retroactive to Apr. 1. Another 25 per cent reduction is also set to further reduce costs next year.

Parents of children enrolled at an opted-in daycare would pay an average of $10 per day by 2025. In August, a spokesperson for the City of London said the list of eligible centres wouldn't be released until after the deadline, originally set for Sept. 1. The program's deadline was extended to Nov. 1 for daycare providers across the country.

"We're interested in helping the families any way we can," said Susan Taylor, acting director of Kidzone Day Care Centre, who is opting into the program.

"We did find it very confusing to fill it out, and we're just going to go with it and see what happens," she said.

Last month, London's daycare operators told CBC News that parents were also struggling with understanding the rollout of the program. Some parents hoped the fees would change to $10 by the fall when those cuts are expected to happen gradually by 2025.

Patricia Kelsey, director of the Faith Day Nursery Day Care, says she is currently filling out the program's application form and also found it tricky.

"It's difficult. It's just a lot of numbers," Kelsey said, adding she managed to clear up some details of the application with the City of London.

"I feel like anytime I do have a question, I can call, and I get a direct answer immediately," she said.

Kimberly Mitchell, executive director for Western Day Care Centre, is also planning to opt-in to the program and says parents feel supported by paying less on child care. She explained they had to request more information from the city.

"I think it's been a little bit frustrating for families," said Mitchell, adding the application still feels bumpy and filing the application by the Nov. 1 deadline would provide relief for families and Western Day Care's educators.

"It's just making sure that we understand everything to make the best decisions for us, and we are very comfortable and confident that this is going to be a good step for our centre."