Ontario Liberals promise free child care for preschoolers in 2020

Ontario’s Liberal government says it plans to make full-day licensed child care free for preschool children from the age of two-and-a-half until they are eligible for kindergarten, starting in 2020.

Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the program Tuesday morning alongside Finance Minister Charles Sousa and Education Minister Indira Naidoo-Harris at a school in Toronto.

“Not being able to find or afford child care is stressful, it is troubling, and it is holding families back at a time when it’s already hard enough to get ahead,” said Wynne. “This investment will make life more affordable for families and allow more parents to make the choice to go back to work, knowing their child is safe and cared for.”

The government, which is facing a spring election, says the initiative would cost about $2.2 billion.

The plan was developed after an extensive in-person and online consultation process with thousands of parents, educators and child care professionals across Ontario.

The Liberals say the average Ontario family with one preschooler would save about $17,000 under the new plan.

In Ontario, children are eligible for junior kindergarten in the calendar year they turn four, and senior kindergarten the year they turn five.

So pleased to announce free all day licensed child care for preschoolers 2.5 yrs old until kindergarten starting 2020 at Nelson Mandela PS in #RegentPark with Kathleen Wynne and @SousaCharles. pic.twitter.com/HPUhu9Kyky

— Indira Naidoo-Harris (@Indira_NH) March 27, 2018