Childcare Tax Credit Canada 2026 | CWELCC & CRA Guide for Regina SK Parents

Understanding childcare-related tax benefits in Canada can significantly reduce the cost of licensed daycare for Regina SK families. Between the CWELCC $10/day program and the Canada Revenue Agency’s Child Care Expense Deduction, families at Daisy Days Daycare may save thousands of dollars per year compared to families using non-CWELCC or unlicensed care.

Two Different Types of Childcare Financial Support

There are two distinct financial mechanisms available to Regina SK parents for licensed childcare costs:

1. CWELCC (Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care) — a direct fee reduction at the point of service
2. Child Care Expense Deduction (CRA) — a tax deduction on your annual T1 return

These operate independently and can be combined for maximum savings.

CWELCC — $10/Day at Licensed Daycares in Regina SK

The CWELCC program is a federal-provincial agreement that reduces licensed childcare fees to approximately $10/day at enrolled centres. This is not a tax credit — it’s a direct fee reduction that you see immediately in your monthly childcare invoice.

At Daisy Days Daycare in Regina SK, all families enrolled in our licensed programmes pay approximately $10/day regardless of their income. This makes CWELCC the most significant childcare financial benefit for most Regina families.

Key facts about CWELCC:

• No income eligibility requirement — all families qualify at CWELCC-enrolled centres
• Applies to all age groups: infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age
• No application required — automatic when enrolled at a participating centre
• Saskatchewan-wide for licensed, CWELCC-enrolled providers

→ How CWELCC works at Daisy Days Daycare

Child Care Expense Deduction — CRA T1 Return

In addition to CWELCC savings, Canadian families can claim the Child Care Expense Deduction on their federal tax return (CRA T1). This deduction reduces your taxable income by the amount you paid for eligible childcare.

Key 2026 rules for the Child Care Expense Deduction:

• Eligible expenses: Licensed daycare fees, nursery school, day camps, and overnight camps
• Annual limits (2026): Up to $8,000 for children under 7; up to $5,000 for children 7–16
• Who can claim: Generally the lower-income spouse claims the deduction (with some exceptions)
• Receipts required: Your licensed daycare (like Daisy Days) provides annual fee receipts with the centre’s business number
• CWELCC adjustment: You claim only the fees you actually paid — so with CWELCC, your claimable amount reflects the $10/day rate, not the full-fee rate

Saskatchewan Child Care Subsidy — Additional Income-Tested Support

For eligible lower-income families, the Saskatchewan Child Care Subsidy provides additional monthly support on top of CWELCC. This subsidy is income-tested and reduces your out-of-pocket costs further.

Families with the highest need may pay as little as $0/day after combining CWELCC + the Saskatchewan Child Care Subsidy.

→ Saskatchewan Child Care Subsidy — how to apply and qualify

What Regina SK Families Actually Pay at Daisy Days Daycare

Age Group	Full-Fee Rate (est.)	With CWELCC	With Subsidy (eligible families)
Infant (0–18 months)	~$60/day	~$10/day	$0–$5/day
Toddler (18m–3 years)	~$50/day	~$10/day	$0–$5/day
Preschool (3–5 years)	~$45/day	~$10/day	$0–$5/day
School-Age (K–Grade 6)	~$30/day	~$10/day	$0–$5/day

How to Claim Childcare Expenses on Your Canadian Tax Return

1. Collect your annual fee receipt from Daisy Days Daycare (issued in February/March for the prior year)
2. Note the centre’s business number on the receipt
3. Complete Form T778 (Child Care Expense Deduction) and attach to your T1 return
4. Enter the eligible amount on Line 21400 of your T1 return
5. The lower-income spouse generally claims — consult a tax professional if unsure

Note: This is general information only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Enroll at Daisy Days Daycare — Maximize Every Available Benefit

At Daisy Days Daycare in Regina SK, we make CWELCC enrollment straightforward and help families understand all available financial support. Contact us today to inquire about availability and begin your enrollment process.

2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina SK S4V 2E5 | 306-807-3233 | info@daisydaysdaycare.com