EYCC Navigators
Learn more about Early Years and Child Care (EYCC) Navigators in Waterloo Region.
EYCC Navigators are a newly funded role by the Region of Waterloo Community Services. They are here to support both families with young children and service providers. On this page you will find details about what EYCC Navigators do for our community, and information on how you can connect with an EYCC Navigator today.
Early Years and Child Care (EYCC) Navigators
Early Years and Child Care (EYCC) Navigator roles are funded by the Region of Waterloo. These positions have been developed in response to our greater community’s need to improve equitable access within Early Years and Child Care services for Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other equity deserving populations. EYCC Navigators support families with children under 6 years of age.
We can meet your family in person (in your neighbourhood or at a community site), over the phone or online. Language support is available.
EYCC Navigators can help you by:
Exploring licensed child care options
Applying for child care through OneList Waterloo Region
Getting information on help paying for child care
Connecting with other services like special needs resources, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and Public Health
Connect with an EYCC Navigator by:
Sending us a request form (If you’ve already submitted a request, do not submit another. For questions or to speak with a navigator again, call 519-741-8585 x3008 or email elccnavigator@ytr.ymca.ca.)
Calling 519-741-8585 ext. 3008 and ask to speak to an Early Years and Child Care Navigator
Visiting us in the community: https://tinyurl.com/92832dra
Free Virtual OneList 101 Sessions
These sessions are designed for parents and caregivers to: meet the EYCC Navigator team, learn how to set up a OneList account, discover how to apply for child care programs, get information about early learning supports and paying for licensed child care—including how to apply for child care subsidy from the Region of Waterloo’s Subsidy Team. Join us monthly:
Are You a Service Provider?
Early Years and Child Care Navigators offer virtual or in-person sessions to help your team support families with child care. Learn how to guide parents and caregivers through OneList and subsidy applications, set up accounts, apply for programs, and access early learning resources. Email us to book a session.
Impact
In 2024, EYCC Navigators provided support to 431 unique families, with 77% of families identifying as Black, Indigenous, and people of colour.
"The EYCC Navigator was amazing, very proactive and helped us immensely. I would definitely recommend this service and I wish it was more known so I could’ve accessed it earlier."
– EYCC Navigator Client Testimonial
Learn more about the impact of EYCC Navigators.
Funding for EYCC Navigators provided by:
