Child care in Canada for newcomers: Types, cost breakdown, and expert tips

Starting a new life in Canada is an exciting adventure, especially when you’re relocating with children. As a newcomer, one of the first things you’ll likely consider is child care. Balancing cost, service quality, accessibility, and availability can often make choosing the right child care arrangement challenging, particularly for parents who are new to the country.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the different child care options available in Canada, provide insight into costs and subsidies to help with your planning and budgeting, and offer helpful tips to find the best child care services for your family.

Exploring child care options in Canada

Canada offers a variety of child care options to suit different needs, including nannies, daycare centres, home daycares, preschool programs, and before- and after-school care. These services can either be regulated or unregulated.

Regulated child care services are those that are officially licensed, monitored, and overseen by provincial or territorial authorities. These services include full-day centre-based care, home child care, school-aged care, and in many provinces, nursery schools and preschools. They are subject to strict regulations to ensure quality and safety.

Unregulated child care services are typically provided in a caregiver’s home (family child care) or in the child’s own home. With these services, it’s the parent’s responsibility to thoroughly assess the quality of care, manage the relationship with the provider, and make necessary changes if any issues arise.

Here’s a brief regulatory overview of some child care options in Canada:

Type of child care service	Regulatory overview
Full-day child care centres	Unlicensed centres are illegal in Canada. However, in some regions, private schools, religious schools, or other institutions that include very young children may be exempt from licensing.
Part-day child care programs (includes nursery and preschools)	Unlicensed programs are permitted in Saskatchewan and Yukon.
School-age child care programs	Some before- and after-school programs, summer, and holiday programs/camps for young school-aged children are not required to be licensed (including some operating on school premises).
Kindergarten – offered by provinces/territories	In most provinces, kindergarten is part of the public school system and therefore regulated by the provincial government.
Regulated family child care (home child care – provided in caregiver’s home)	In several provinces, regulated family child care is “approved” rather than fully regulated. Most family child care is not regulated, monitored, or approved. No province/territory requires all family child care homes to be regulated, as long as they don’t exceed the maximum number of children.
Unregulated family child care (home child care – provided in caregiver’s or child’s home and includes “nannies” or “sitters”)	Unregulated family child care providers do not need a license, aren’t inspected or monitored, and are not required to meet specified regulations for training, physical space, or other features.

Note: When child care is provided in your home, you’ll need to discuss and agree on the terms of employment with the caregiver. If the caregiver is part of the Live-In Caregiver Program, a written contract is required between you (the parent) and the caregiver (the employee). This contract should outline the job duties, work hours, wages, holiday and sick leave entitlements, and terms for termination and resignation.

Budgeting and planning for child care costs

Finding affordable child care in Canada can be challenging due to limited availability and high costs. To settle in smoothly, it’s important to understand the costs and plan your finances accordingly.

Key definitions

• Infant: Children under two years of age.
• Toddler: Children between 18 months and three years old.
• Preschool-age: Children between two-and-a-half years old and kindergarten age (usually four or five, depending on the province).

Is child care free in Canada?

Child care in Canada is generally not free and is considered to be expensive, with costs varying significantly by province. Some provinces, such as Quebec and Manitoba, have provincially-set fees, making them more affordable compared to others.

How much does child care cost in Canada?

Monthly child care costs can range from $181 to $1,986 CAD, depending on the province. Below is a breakdown of child care costs by province:

Key highlights of child care costs in Canada

• Provincial-set fees: In four provinces—Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador—at least half of the child care spaces are offered at provincially-set fees, making them more affordable.
• Most expensive cities: Child care in Toronto is the priciest, with a monthly median cost of $1,866 for infants, $1,578 for toddlers, and $1,250 for preschool-age children.
• Greater Toronto Area (GTA): Cities like Markham, Mississauga, Oakville, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan also have high fees for infant care.
• Least expensive cities: Quebec offers the lowest median fees for infant care, with a provincially-set fee of $181 CAD per month in cities like Gatineau, Laval, Montreal, Longueuil, and Quebec City.
• Affordable options in Winnipeg: Winnipeg has one of the most affordable child care options, with a provincially-set fee of $651 CAD per month for infant care.

Child Care waitlists and fees

Due to high demand and limited availability, many child care centres across Canada have long waitlists. Some families even add their names to these lists before their child is born. Many centres charge a waitlist fee, typically between $50 and $200 CAD, or more. In some cases, parents may need to pay multiple waitlist fees if they are on several lists for different centres.

Tips for planning child care costs

1. Budget your expenses: It’s important to list your monthly expenses and estimate your overall costs. Tools like the Arrive cost of living calculator can help you plan your finances.
2. Apply for grants: The federal government offers the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a tax-free monthly payment to eligible families with children under 18. Families with children qualifying for the disability credit can receive an additional amount.
3. Consider subsidies: Child care subsidies are available in each province, with varying criteria and limits. Reach out to local newcomer settlement centres for guidance on eligibility and the application process.
4. Evaluate private care versus daycare: While both private care (e.g., hiring a nanny) and daycare are expensive, private care may be more cost-effective for families with two or more children.

How to find the right child care option for your family

To find the best child care for your unique needs, start by exploring your city’s website and your province’s Ministry of Education website (look for “Child Care Services”). These sites typically offer lists of licensed child care centres in your area. If you’re considering informal or unlicensed daycares, you can check community bulletin boards at local centres or talk to other parents and community leaders for recommendations.

Consider the location of the child care provider, ensuring it’s conveniently located near your home, work, or school. Also, think about your specific child care needs by evaluating the days and times you require care and checking the provider’s operating hours.

Next, evaluate the environment of the facility or home. Make sure it feels welcoming, safe, and child-friendly, and inquire about the number of children they care for at once to ensure there’s adequate attention and supervision.

It’s also crucial to ask whether the provider is licensed, regulated, or monitored by the government and check their qualifications. A properly licensed provider should adhere to specific standards, ensuring quality care. Additionally, confirm if the staff is trained in emergency first aid to ensure your child’s safety.

Make sure the provider can issue receipts for payments, as this is important for record-keeping and possible tax benefits. Finally, ask about the fees and get a clear breakdown of the costs to ensure they fit within your budget.

Finding the right child care option requires time, effort, and financial preparation. By understanding how the child care system works in Canada and exploring your options carefully, you’ll be well-equipped to find a service that aligns with both your family’s needs and your financial situation.

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