Child Care Subsidy

Step 1 - What is Child Care Subsidy

A Child Care Subsidy may be available to families living in Windsor and Essex County who are looking to access licensed child care that may be centre-based, school-based or home child care programs (for children newborn to 12 years of age), as well as High Five accredited recreation programs (for children 6 to 12 years of age). Child Care Subsidy Information Package.

Step 2 - Who Can Apply

In order to qualify for a Child Care Subsidy, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a resident of Windsor/Essex County, or if you are in Windsor/Essex County on a student/work visa, you must be in receipt of the Canada Child Benefit.
  • You must be the child's parent, legal guardian, or temporary or kinship parent.
  • The child must reside with you.
  • A Federal Tax Return must be filed (in accordance with Revenue Canada Guidelines) for the most recent tax year, as the Notice of Assessment will be utilized as a factor to determine eligibility.
  • Demonstrate a need for child care by either attending school, working, or having a referral in writing by an agency, doctor, or other professional who is currently working with you or your child.
  • Use the Subsidy Calculator to estimate your monthly contribution amount of child care subsidy. Please note that this calculator tool is only a guide and the estimated monthly contribution may change during the child care subsidy application process.

Step 3 - How to Apply Online

The online application is available 24 hours a day in English and French from any computer or device with internet access. The application will take approximately 20 minutes or less to complete.

  • You must first register and create an account with Windsor-Essex OneHSN by clicking on the Create an Account button. Type in your e-mail address, and enter the text you see below, then select the Register button.
  • You will then be given verification of your OneHSN account creation, and you will need to complete the OneHSN profile process by providing information about yourself and your child(ren), and then you must create applications to child care providers before the actual subsidy application will be available to you.
  • Complete the online application and refer to step 4 for additional required documents.

If you do not have a telephone or a computer with internet access, you can come to the Employment Resource Centre in Windsor where you may be given internet access:

Windsor Office

400 City Hall Square East
Windsor, Ontario N9A 7K6

Step 4 - Required Documents

When completing the application, you will need to provide specific information about you and the family members in your household. These documents must be submitted in order for your application to be processed.

Required documents for all subsidy applications

Proof of Citizenship: (only need one of the following)

  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport
  • Canadian Immigration Status (Landing Papers)

Proof of current Address: (only need one of the following)

  • Mortgage Statement
  • Property Tax Assessment
  • Lease Agreement
  • Rent Receipt

Verification documentation based on reason for care will need to be submitted. For example:

Employment:

  • Please provide two (2) current paystubs or letter of employment on letterhead.

School:

  • Please provide class schedule with name and confirmation of enrolment (2 documents).

Referral:

  • Please complete Children’s Services referral form (child or parent, whichever is applicable).

Submission of Documentation

Required documents may be hand delivered, mailed, emailed or faxed:

Hand Delivered: 400 City Hall Square East, Suite 301, place in the mailbox labeled "Children's Services".

Mail: 400 City Hall Square East, P.O. Box 426, Windsor Ontario N9A 6L7

Email: childcare@citywindsor.ca   Fax: (519) 255-5303

Step 5 - Contact us

For detailed inquiries call (519) 255-5312

Fax: (519) 255-5303

Email: childcare@citywindsor.ca