YMCA of the National Capital Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YMCA launches new subsidized licenced childcare to fill ten-year gap


January 27, 2025 (Ottawa) — There are not enough subsidized childcare spaces for the families who need them. Churchill Alternative School has been without on-site toddler- and preschoolaged childcare for a decade.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is pleased to open a childcare at Churchill Alternative School. There are 39 spots: 15 spots for toddlers and 24 for preschoolers. The centre features two classrooms, one specifically designed for toddlers and the other for preschoolers, to support the unique developmental needs of these age groups. This childcare is part of the new Canadawide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) agreement to reduce the cost of child care for eligible families.

As the country's largest not-for-profit childcare provider, offering 20% of childcare spots in Ontario, the YMCA understands that choosing a childcare center is a significant decision for parents. YMCA operates over 88,300 licensed infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age spaces across the province. In 2024, 384 children across the national capital region could learn, create, and grow in the Y’s licensed childcare programs. This was a 69% increase over the previous year. Churchill Alternative School’s families were given the first chance at the spaces. The childcare spots are not full, but there is a waiting list for the remaining spots, which will be allocated before the childcare opens in February 2025.

This childcare will follow the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum, a national, research-based program that focuses on creating enriched, child-centred learning environments. The Y’s dedicated Early Childhood Educators implement this acclaimed curriculum at YMCA centres nationwide. Through hands-on, engaging activities tailored to children’s developmental needs, the Y fosters positive social connections, builds self-esteem, and helps children achieve significant milestones.

On March 28, 2022, Ontario signed onto the new CWELCC agreement initiated and funded by the Government of Canada. CWELCC is a five-year plan to reduce the cost of child care to an average of $10 per day for eligible families. This reduction will happen over time.

This year, the Churchill Alternative School childcare costs $22 per day. The province has outlined their goal to reach an average fee of $10 a day by 2026 for children participating in CWELCCenrolled programs. The Ontario government and the City of Ottawa can answer questions about the administration of this program.

“We’re excited to open our new YMCA childcare in Churchill, providing 39 subsidized spaces for toddlers and preschoolers,” said Trevor McAlmont, President and CEO of the YMCA National Capital Region. “This centre follows our acclaimed YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum and offers children an enriched environment to grow, thrive, and build lasting community connections.”

Today’s launch is an important step, but much work still needs to be done. The demand for affordable, high-quality childcare far exceeds the current supply. While the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system is a significant advancement, more spaces are needed to ensure every family has access. As Canada's largest not-for-profit childcare provider, the YMCA is working with all levels of government to ensure that families can access sustainable, high-quality, and affordable child care. They call upon the Ontario government to fund even more childcare spaces to meet demand.

Spokespeople available for interview

  • Trevor McAlmont (he/him), President and CEO, YMCA National Capital Region (English)
     
  • Morgan Bello (he/him), Vice President, People and Culture; Health, Fitness and Aquatics; Child Care; and Corporate Services (English, French and Spanish)
     
  • Cass Vallee (she/her), Senior Director of Child Care, YMCA of the National Capital Region (English)
     
  • A parent whose children attend the Y’s childcare (English and French)

Note to editors: the Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care Agreement, City of Ottawa Lowincome Childcare Subsidy and the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit are different.

  • Childcares in the Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care (CWELCC) agreement can offer a subsidized reduced rate. As long as the daycare is part of the program, anyone who attends pays the lower rate. This new Churchill location is part of this program.
     
  • There is also a City of Ottawa Low-income Childcare Subsidy. People who have lower incomes are eligible for a subsidized discount on their monthly childcare expenses.
     
  • The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit is a credit parents can apply for on their taxes, based on fees they’ve paid.  

About YMCA National Capital Region 
Founded in 1867, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities. The organization is committed to nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults, promoting healthy living and supporting vulnerable people within the community. The Y serves thousands of people across the Ottawa region each year. Focusing on inclusiveness and accessibility means people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are served through all stages of life. To learn more, visit ymcaottawa.ca.

Media contact:  
Heather Badenoch, Village PR, 613-859-8232, heather@villagepr.ca