Navigating childcare services in Canada: A guide for newcomer families

Licensed daycare centres: These facilities offer care for kids from infancy to school age. They’re licensed and inspected by provincial governments. They tend to offer structured learning environments with qualified educators. 

Home daycare: As the name suggests, home daycares are run out of the provider’s individual home. Some (but not all) home based daycares are run by licensed providers, while others are more informal, so confirm those details with each provider to speak to. Home daycares offer smaller, more intimate settings, typically with fewer children. 

Nannies and babysitters: You can also hire a nanny or a babysitter directly. Nannies tend to either live with the family full-time, or come to your home every day. Babysitters are often local people from the neighborhood who will come to your home on an as-needed basis. 

Childcare can be expensive. Luckily, there are various financial subsidy programs in Canada to help make it more affordable. Some are funded by the federal government Opens in a new window.. Others are funded by provincial governments. Eligibility depends on several factors like family income, parental employment status, and the number of children.

Provincial & territorial subsidies: Most provinces and territories in Canada offer some form of subsidy for childcare. Qualifying is usually based on family income, but criteria and benefit amounts vary. 

Tax credits: The Canadian government provides tax credits to families to help offset childcare costs. Parents can deduct some of their childcare expenses from taxable income through the Child Care Expense Deduction Opens in a new window..

Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Opens in a new window. This is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with raising children under 18 years of age. Be sure to understand all the criteria so you know if you’re eligible. 

Junior Kindergarten (JK) is an early childhood education program for four-year-olds, offered in some but not all provinces. Because it’s part of the public school system, it’s free for residents. JK focuses on play-based learning, helping children develop social, emotional, and basic reading and counting skills.

Ontario: Ontario offers a 2-year program of Junior Kindergarten (JK) and Senior Kindergarten (SK). Check out more information here Opens in a new window..  

Northwest Territories: JK is offered in all communities in the NWT in existing school spaces. The goal is to ensure all NWT 4-year-olds have the opportunity to participate if their families choose to. 

Nunavut: JK is offered in a number of communities in Nunavut, with more communities expected to offer the program in the future.

Yukon: JK is offered in a few communities in the Yukon, with the potential for expansion in the future.

Age requirements: Starting ages for child care vary by province. In general, licensed child care operators are available from infancy to as old as 12 years. 

Safety regulations: Licensed childcare providers are regulated, and have to meet strict safety standards. This includes things like staff qualifications, facility safety, cleanliness, and specific staff-to-child ratios. 

Waiting lists: Good providers of childcare often have waiting lists. Start your search early, and apply as early as possible to make sure you have the best chance of getting the provider you want. 

Cultural sensitivity: Childcare providers are expected to be respectful of the diverse backgrounds of kids and families, and sensitive to their cultures. Some childcare centers offer programs in different languages or cater to specific cultural needs, which can be an important consideration for families preserving their heritage language and culture. 

Advocacy: Organizations like the Canadian Child Care Federation and the Association of Early Childhood Educators advocate for high-quality, accessible childcare. 

Arranging for childcare can be daunting. Entrusting family members to the care of others is always emotional. Luckily, Canada offers a variety of childcare options for diverse families. Understand the different types of childcare. Explore your financial subsidy options, and be aware of general guidance around age limits, safety regulations and waiting list. With this information, you can make informed choices and ensure your kids are well cared for.