Nova Scotia

CWELCC / NS Pre-Primary Subsidy — Childcare Subsidy

MapleCub Guide

CWELCC Fee Reductions + Nova Scotia Affordable Childcare Benefit

CWELCC Fee Reductions + Nova Scotia Affordable Childcare Benefit helps Nova Scotia families pay for licensed childcare when parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. Run by Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (NS) (NS EECD).

Families served

15K+

Min copay

$0

Processing time

2–4 weeks

Agency phone

1-800-565-1458

Ready to apply?

Applications go through Nova Scotia Affordable Childcare Benefit.

Income limits

Exact income thresholds for Nova Scotia aren't published as a simple table — use our full calculator for a personalized 2026 estimate.

Go to the full cost & subsidy calculator

How copays work

Families qualifying for the maximum ACFB benefit may pay $0. Others pay a sliding-scale co-payment based on net family income after CWELCC fee reductions are applied.

⚠️ Waitlist

Halifax has waitlists for licensed childcare, particularly for infants. Register at multiple centres simultaneously. Some communities outside Halifax have shorter waits.

Apply as early as possible — do not wait.

Contact NS EECD

1-800-565-1458 · Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm AT

Visit NS EECD website
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Nova Scotia Child Care Subsidy Guide (2026) | MapleCub