Inclusion Program Enhanced Accessibility Grant Information

The Enhanced Accessibility Program has been developed to meet the needs of families who have children with exceptionally high needs — families who would not otherwise be able to access licensed child care for their child.

Goals of the program

• To make child care accessible to children with high needs
• To promote a collaborative approach to family support and child care
• To make the cost of child care more equitable for families of children with special needs

To be eligible for Enhanced Accessibility Grant funding

• Children must require significant additional supervision, guidance or assistance as determined by a qualified professional through assessment
• Children must be referred by a qualified professional who:
  • is autonomous from the facility;
  • has a demonstrated knowledge of the child and in the area related to the child's specific needs;
    
  • is available to provide consultation and support to the child care facility and to the family.
• Parent/guardian(s) must be employed or enrolled in an education program.

Factors Determining Eligibility

The following factors will impact the eligibility for a child to receive Enhanced Accessibility support:

• Needs of the child
• Ability and willingness of child care program to meet the needs
• Other resources and funding sources investigated and available
• Availability of funds

Grant Funding

The Enhanced Accessibility Grant is available for paying wages for required enhanced staffing.

• The maximum amount per child per month is $1,500.
• The amount requested by the facility must reflect actual staffing costs.
• A child care facility may receive either an Individual Inclusion Grant or an Enhanced Accessibility Grant for a child but not both.

Grant payment

Enhanced Accessibility Grants are paid within the eligible month (i.e. If a facility is eligible for an Enhanced Accessibility Grant for a child for the month of January, the grant will be paid to the facility in January).

Approval period

• Enhanced Accessibility Grants are approved for a maximum period of six months. Prior to the expiration of the grant, the program shall be reviewed and the facility must reapply in order for funding to continue.
• If the employment circumstances of the parent/guardian(s) change, such as completing school or becoming unemployed, the Enhanced Accessibility Grant may continue for a maximum of two months for seeking employment if the child continues to attend the facility.
• The child care facility must contact the Program Consultant when
  • a child leaves the program
  • a child's circumstances change (custody/foster care, amount of support needed)
  • a parent's employment status changes

Contact the Early Learning and Child Care regional office nearest you for further information about the Enhanced Accessibility Program.