Many childcare providers want to welcome children with diverse needs but face higher costs. Inclusive staffing is expensive. Adaptive equipment and specialized supports also add to the budget. Parent fees rarely cover these extra expenses. Public funding programs can help, but most are provincial and have specific rules.
Most centres combine provincial grants with careful planning. For example, Saskatchewan’s Inclusion Program gives targeted support to help licensed childcare centres care for children with diverse needs.
Inclusive childcare funding in Canada is mainly offered through provincial and territorial programs. These programs support licensed childcare providers who care for children with physical, developmental, behavioural, or medical needs.
A key example is the Inclusion Program managed by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education.
Program purpose
Who can apply
Funding amount
Eligible expenses may include
Funding type
Program status
Similar programs exist across Canada, but eligibility rules, funding limits, and covered costs differ by province. Using GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find programs in your area that fit your childcare centre’s needs.
Inclusion funding is rarely “one-size-fits-all.” Most centres need a clear plan before applying.
Provinces usually require:
Inclusion grants cover additional costs, not regular operations. Be ready to show:
Most inclusion programs only fund:
Unlicensed programs are usually not eligible.
Approval timelines vary. Reimbursements may come after you pay for expenses. Build this delay into your budget so you avoid running short on cash.
Assuming inclusion funding is federal
Most inclusive childcare funding is provincial. Looking only for federal grants means you might miss key opportunities.
Requesting general operating costs
Inclusion programs fund extra supports, not your regular rent, utilities, or base wages.
Skipping professional documentation
Missing assessments or support plans can delay or stop your funding approval.
Ignoring repayable terms
Some inclusion programs are repayable under certain conditions. Always check repayment rules before accepting funds.
Q: What counts as an inclusive childcare program in Canada?
Inclusive childcare programs support children with diverse physical, developmental, behavioural, or medical needs in regular childcare settings. Funding focuses on removing barriers to participation.
Q: Can for-profit childcare centres apply for inclusion funding?
Yes, many provincial programs allow both non-profit and for-profit licensed providers to apply. Check your province’s rules for details.
Q: Is inclusion funding guaranteed every year?
No. Most programs require annual applications and a new review of needs. Funding amounts can change from year to year.
Q: Can inclusion grants cover staff training?
Often yes, if the training directly supports inclusion and is linked to a child’s assessed needs.
Q: How long does it take to receive funding?
Timelines vary by province. Approval and payment depend on ministry review and complete documentation.
GrantHub tracks active grant programs across Canada, including provincial childcare and inclusion funding—see which ones match your centre’s profile.
Start by learning about your provincial options and getting your documentation ready. Know your licence status and the supports your centre needs. This helps you find the right funding programs faster. GrantHub can help you identify inclusion funding that fits your childcare centre and track important deadlines as programs change.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.