Parents, looking for Child Care?
When exploring child care, parents can choose between licensed child care centres or licensed in-home child care, as well as unlicensed child care arrangements—this page outlines both.
Licensed Child Care Providers
Licensed child care means that the providers are following the Day Nurseries Act, that those providers are inspected and there is support for providers – especially important for home child care sites.
Child care centres are inspected yearly, licensed home child care are inspected at least four times a year, sometimes more.
You can find a licensed child care and licensed home child care near you by clicking here.
Unlicensed Child Care Providers
However, there is not enough licensed child care to meet the need of families. In fact, Ontario only has a licensed child care space for 20% of all children.
Choosing a unlicensed provider is a difficult choice. You can access resources from the Canadian Child Care Federation on what to look for in choosing child care for your child by clicking here.
Complaints Regarding Unlicensed Child Care
Have you seen a unlicensed provider with more than 5 children? It’s illegal and unsafe. Ontario has a complaints-based system for unlicensed child care. The only protection for children is a complaint so if you see something that isn’t right – report it.
Have more questions?
Please feel free to contact our team if you need further resources or information regarding licensed or unlicensed child care.
