Waterloo Region to add 1,480 child care spots next year

The Region of Waterloo says it’s on track to see 1,480 child care spaces created under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program in 2026.

But there are more than 14,000 children on a centralized wait list.

“The reality is more spaces are needed, and that is a song I think we’ve all been singing for quite a while,” Barbara Cardow, director of children’s services, said during an update to the community and health services committee on Tuesday.

The wait list reflects the “true need” in the community because prior to the affordable program being introduced, many families considered licensed child care to be cost prohibitive, Cardow said.

Under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program, families in Waterloo Region currently pay $22 a day, per child, with som