Finding childcare

Finding childcare in Canada can feel overwhelming—there are many options, waiting lists, costs, and programs to navigate. This guide walks you through the main childcare types available to your family, explains the affordable $10-a-day national program, and helps you understand provincial subsidies that can significantly reduce your costs.

Types of Childcare in Canada

In Canada, childcare falls into two main categories: licensed (regulated) and unlicensed. Licensed childcare is inspected by provincial governments and must meet standards for health, safety, and program quality. Unlicensed care operates without this oversight and is typically more flexible—and less regulated.

Licensed Childcare Centres

Licensed daycare centres operate in dedicated facilities—community centres, schools, or standalone buildings—and typically serve larger groups of children. They employ trained early childhood educators, offer structured programming, and maintain strict staff-to-child ratios. Centres are regularly inspected by your provincial ministry to ensure compliance with regulations.

• Structured, developmentally focused programs suited to each age group
• Qualified, trained staff who are subject to criminal record checks and ongoing monitoring
• Backup staff and contingency plans if someone is sick (more reliable than home care for working parents)
• Registered by province; inspected at least annually
• Higher average cost compared to unlicensed home care, but many participate in subsidies and the $10/day program

Licensed Home Childcare

Licensed home childcare is provided in the caregiver's home, typically serving a smaller group of children. Providers operate under a licensed home childcare agency, which holds the provincial license and ensures the home meets provincial standards. In Ontario, for example, one licensed provider can care for up to 6 children under age 13, with a maximum of 3 younger than 2 years old.

• Smaller, home-like environment with one consistent caregiver, which can provide strong attachment for younger children
• More personalized, flexible care with lower group sizes
• Often lower fees than centre-based care
• Regular monitoring and support from the licensed agency
• Fewer staff-backup options if the provider becomes unavailable
• Eligible for subsidies and the $10/day program

Unlicensed Home Childcare

Unlicensed home providers operate independently from agencies and are not inspected or required to meet most provincial standards. They can legally care for up to 5 children (including their own) without a license. While this option may be cheaper and more flexible, it carries significant risks: no government oversight, no mandatory training, no police checks for substitute caregivers, and no inspection if a complaint is filed.

Waitlists and Timing

One of the most important things newcomers must understand: childcare waitlists in Canada are long, especially in major cities and for infant care. Many families advise applying to daycare waitlists while still pregnant or immediately after a child is born. Waitlists vary dramatically by location, age of child, and time of year.

• Infant care (birth to 12 months) often has the longest waitlists: 9 months to 2+ years in some centres, and up to 2–6+ years in high-demand urban areas like downtown Toronto
• Toddler and preschool waitlists are generally shorter
• Waitlists can grow longer in late spring when parents apply for fall/winter care; they shorten in late summer/fall when spaces open up
• Licensed home childcare may have shorter waitlists than large centres
• Some centres charge a small fee to secure a spot on the waitlist

The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program ($10-a-Day)

In 2021, the federal government announced a historic investment in affordable childcare: the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program. The goal is to bring licensed childcare fees down to an average of $10 per day for children under 6 across all provinces and territories (except Quebec, which has its own subsidized system).

How the $10-a-Day Program Works

Not every childcare centre participates in CWELCC—only licensed centres that have signed an agreement with the provincial government receive funding to reduce their fees. Fees have been reduced in stages over several years. As of early 2026, participating centres in most provinces are charging between $19 and $22 per day on average, down from pre-pandemic rates of $40 to $60+ per day. Families do not apply separately; if you enroll your child in a participating licensed centre, the fee reduction applies automatically.

• Available only in licensed centres and licensed home childcare that participate in CWELCC
• Fee reductions apply automatically at participating centres; no separate application needed
• Applies to children under 6 years old
• Works alongside municipal subsidies (you can receive both benefits)
• The program does not include unlicensed home care or private nannies

Checking If a Centre Participates

Before enrolling, always confirm that your chosen centre participates in CWELCC. If it does not, you will pay full non-subsidized fees. Some centres opt out. Your provincial government should provide a search tool or list of participating providers. For example, Ontario has a Child Care Finder where you can search by postal code and see which licensed centres and home agencies are enrolled in the program.

Provincial and Municipal Subsidies for Lower-Income Families

In addition to the $10/day program, most provinces offer income-tested childcare subsidies to help lower-income families. These are separate from CWELCC and can be combined with it. Eligibility, application procedures, and subsidy amounts vary by province.

Ontario

Ontario has two main support systems. First, the CWELCC program offers fee reductions at participating licensed centres. Second, Ontario's Child Care Fee Subsidy is an income-tested program administered by municipal governments. Eligible families can receive help paying for licensed childcare (centres, home-based, or in-home services). The amount you pay depends on your family's adjusted net income, which is taken from line 236 of your Canada Revenue Agency personal income tax form. To apply, contact your local Consolidated Municipal Service Manager (CMSM) or District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB).

British Columbia

British Columbia offers the Affordable Child Care Benefit, a monthly payment to eligible families based on household income, family size, child's age, and type of care. Families earning up to roughly $111,000 may qualify. Funding can reach up to $1,250 per child per month. Families must apply directly to the provincial government and renew annually. The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (ChildCareBC) also provides fee reductions at participating child care facilities, with savings up to $900 per child per month—no income test required.

Alberta

Alberta's Child Care Subsidy provides financial assistance to lower-income families for daycare, family day homes, and out-of-school care. Families earning under $90,000 in annual gross household income are eligible for school-age care. Subsidy rates are determined by total family income and the type of program. Applications are made online through Alberta Supports, and you will need a Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Manitoba

Manitoba's Child Care Subsidy Program provides provincial support to reduce fees for eligible families with children from 12 weeks to 12 years old. Eligibility is based on your reason for needing care and family income calculations. The province offers an online subsidy eligibility estimator to help you determine your potential support.

Quebec

Quebec has long had the most affordable childcare system in Canada. As of 2026, the basic daily rate for subsidized childcare in Quebec is $8.70 per day. This covers Centres de la petite enfance (CPEs), subsidized family childcare, and subsidized spaces in for-profit daycares. Quebec's system has been in place since 1997 and covers most families regardless of income.

Other Provinces and Territories

Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador) and the territories are also implementing fee reductions through CWELCC and offering additional provincial subsidies. Contact your provincial government's early learning or child care office for specific eligibility and application details.

Applying for Subsidies: General Steps

While the exact process varies by province, the basic steps are similar across Canada. First, find a licensed childcare provider that participates in your province's program. Second, gather required documents, which typically include proof of identity for you and your child, proof of residency or immigration status (such as a permanent residence document or temporary residence permit), and proof of income (usually a recent Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency). Third, submit your application to your local service manager or provincial office, either online or by mail.

• Eligibility is based on family income, usually determined by your adjusted net income from your most recent tax return
• Some provinces have activity requirements (you must be working, studying, or in a job-search status); others do not
• Subsidies are typically renewable annually—you may need to reapply each year or report income changes
• If your circumstances change (job loss, income increase, parental leave), report it promptly; overpayment may need to be repaid
• Some provinces offer temporary approval while your full assessment is being completed, so you don't have to wait months for help

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Beyond childcare-specific subsidies, the federal government provides the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a tax-free monthly payment to families with children under 18. The CCB is income-tested and can provide significant support—up to $7,787 per year for each child under 6 and up to $6,570 per year for each child aged 6 to 17 (2025–2026 amounts). You can apply for the CCB when you file your Canadian income tax return or through a separate application to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This benefit can help offset childcare costs even if you don't qualify for childcare-specific subsidies.

Newcomer Considerations

As a newcomer to Canada, you may face additional eligibility questions. Most provinces require proof of residency and may ask for immigration status. If you are a permanent resident (PR), you can apply for subsidies, the CCB, and CWELCC. Temporary residents with a valid work permit may also be eligible in many provinces—check with your provincial office. Some provinces count only Canadian income on your most recent tax return, so if you are newly arrived and have not yet filed a Canadian tax return, ask about alternative documentation such as a recent pay stub or employment letter.

Cost Expectations Across Canada

Before CWELCC fee reductions, full-time licensed childcare averaged $7,790 per year per child in 2023. Costs vary widely by province, city, and whether the centre is public, private, or subsidized. Quebec remains the most affordable at around $8.70 per day. In Ontario under CWELCC, fees have been reduced to approximately $19–22 per day. In British Columbia, BC centres charge differently, but the Affordable Child Care Benefit and Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative can significantly lower what families pay. In Alberta, private centre fees vary widely but are capped and eligible families receive subsidies. Home childcare is generally less expensive than centre-based care, and care provided by relatives is typically the least expensive option.

Practical Next Steps

1. Research your province's early learning website (Ontario.ca, gov.bc.ca, alberta.ca, etc.) to find licensed providers and subsidy programs
2. Start your childcare search immediately—do not wait, especially if you need infant care
3. Apply to multiple licensed centres and home childcare agencies (aim for 10 or more if possible) to increase your chances of finding a spot
4. Confirm that your chosen centre participates in CWELCC before enrolling to ensure you receive fee reductions
5. Gather your documents early: proof of identity, proof of residency/immigration status, and recent proof of income (Notice of Assessment, pay stub, or employment letter)
6. Contact your local municipal service manager or provincial early learning office to learn about subsidies you may qualify for
7. Apply for the Canada Child Benefit through Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) once you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
8. Save all communication from waitlists; call centres regularly to confirm your position
9. Ask providers about fee structures, hours, and what is included (meals, snacks, programs, extra fees)

Key Resources

Canada.ca hosts the Early Learning and Child Care Information Hub with data and research on programs in your province. Settlement.org is an excellent resource for newcomers, with guides on childcare by province. Each province has a dedicated early learning or child care office—Ontario has the Ministry of Education, BC has the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Your municipality often administers subsidies, so contact your city or regional office directly. Finally, if you are applying for Canada Child Benefit or need tax-related information, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website or call 1-833-576-2136.