No one thinks of delegating help when they decide to embrace parenthood. But the reality of parenting sets in when you give birth to your baby.
Fitting the pieces of a full-time job and full-time child care can feel like solving a complex puzzle. Suddenly, the idea of managing everything on your own seems daunting. That’s when childcare can be a huge relief for you.
As a Canadian, you’re in luck because childcare options are aplenty in Canada. About 45,366 businesses provided childcare in the country to children between 0 and 12 years of age in 2022. Fast forward two years and the numbers are likely to have grown.
But finding the best childcare from the thousands of options is like searching for a needle in a haystack. It’s challenging but not impossible. You’re not alone in this, however.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the childcare options available in Canada, costs, and some handy tips for finding the right fit for your family.
The Different Types of Childcare in Canada
Below, we’ll discuss the main types of childcare available in the country:
1. Daycare Centers
Daycare centers are a go-to option for many Canadian parents because they are licensed facilities.
There, caregivers look after a larger group of children of different ages, from infants to preschoolers. These centers follow a structured routine for each age group, which includes playtime, learning activities, meals, and naps.
Daycare centers offer both part-time and full-time options. You can choose the hours that best suit your busy schedule. In 2022, approximately 565,000 children were enrolled full-time and 152,200 part-time across Canada.
2. Home-Based Day Care
Home-based daycare is a more intimate and flexible option for parents who prefer a smaller, home-like setting for their kids.
About 9% of children between 0 and 5 years attended home-based childcare in Canada. That’s according to the findings of Statistics Canada.
Instead of a big facility, a caregiver runs the daycare from their own home, usually with a smaller group of children. This often creates a cozy, family-style environment. Some parents love this option since it feels more personal and relaxed than larger daycare centers.
3. Nannies
Hiring a nanny is another route some families take.
This can be more expensive than daycare, as nannies charge $19/hour, on average. But the personalized care and convenience of having someone in your own home make it worth the cost.
Your child gets personalized attention. They can help with everything from schoolwork to playdates and even meal prep.
How Much Does Childcare Cost in Canada?
Here’s where things get tricky because childcare costs in Canada vary greatly depending on where you live.
The average Canadian pays about $8,146/year for childcare for children between 0 and 3 years.
In some cities, however, the cost of childcare can rival rent or mortgage payments.
To give you an idea, in Toronto, the average cost of childcare for infants below 36 months is $1,518 to $1,758/month. That’s quite expensive.
On the other hand, parents pay between $1,000 and $1,625/month in British Columbia for kids below 36 months. That equals $12,000 to $19,440 per year.
You can, however, breathe a sigh of relief if you’re in Montreal. That is because Quebec has a government-subsidized childcare system that makes it much more affordable. It offers public childcare for $6/day.
If you’re looking to cut costs, explore part-time care options or a nanny-share arrangement—where you split the cost of a nanny with another family. That way, childcare won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Tips for Finding Childcare in Canada
Finding childcare that suits both your budget and your needs is a bit tricky. But there are ways to make the process a little smoother. Here are some tips that might help:
1. Start Early
Don’t wait until the eleventh hour to find childcare centers. Research your options early on.
According to CBC Radio-Canada, parents across Canada are facing long waits to access childcare, and those waits are only growing longer.
If you’re expecting or planning to return to work, it’s a good idea to begin your search well in advance. Then, shortlist the best ones and reach out to schedule visits. This will allow you to see the environment, meet the caregivers, and ask questions.
The earlier you start the process, the more options you’ll have, and you’ll feel more relaxed knowing you’ve found the right fit for your child.
2. Take Advantage of Childcare Directory
You can rely on a Canada childcare directory to streamline your search for the best childcare.
These directories are like treasure troves of information—they offer listings of daycare centers, home daycares, and even nannies in your area.
A directory service such as Childcare.Center allows parents to filter centers by location, age of the child, distance, and even subsidy availability. That aside, you can even search childcare options in order, such as high-rated, most reviewed, or oldest listing.
You’ll even find details like licensing information, reviews from other parents, and even photos of the facilities. This can give you a better sense of what each place offers before you commit to visiting.
3. Look into Subsidies
Childcare can be pricey, especially in larger cities. But many provinces offer financial assistance to help make it more affordable.
Subsidies can significantly reduce the cost, sometimes even covering a large portion of your daycare or home-based care fees.
In Alberta, for instance, childcare subsidies for children aged 0 to pre-kindergarten range from $106 to $266/month/child.
So, if childcare costs feel like a huge stretch, check your province’s website or contact local social services to see if you qualify for financial assistance.
Check your provincial or local government’s website for eligibility requirements and application processes for details.
Navigating Childcare in Canada—The Key Takeaway for Parents
Finding the right childcare isn’t just about convenience—it’s about giving your child a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive. So, take time to research your options, compare costs, and consider what works best for your family’s needs.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about caregiver qualifications, daily routines, and safety protocols. After all, your child’s happiness and safety come first.