How to Choose a Licensed Child Care Provider in Ontario
Choosing child care is one of the biggest decisions a Ontario family makes, and licensed care comes with provincial oversight that unlicensed care does not. This checklist covers what to verify before you enroll.
1. Confirm the provider holds a current Ministry licence
In Ontario, child care centres and home child care agencies must be licensed by the Ministry of Education and are inspected at least once a year. Every provider in this directory appears on the provincial licence registry. Confirm the licence is still current and posted at the centre before you enroll.
2. Read the inspection and serious-occurrence history
Each licensed provider has an inspection record, and centres must post recent serious-occurrence notices where parents can see them. Ask to review them, and look for how the provider responded to any findings rather than expecting a spotless file.
3. Match the program type and hours to your family
Decide whether you need a full-day centre, before-and-after-school care, or a home child care setting through a licensed agency. Each listing shows the program type and the programs offered so you can shortlist the providers that fit your schedule.
4. Ask about the CWELCC fee program
Many licensed centres take part in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program, which lowers fees for children under six. Ask whether the provider is enrolled, what your out-of-pocket fee would be, and whether any extra charges apply.
5. Understand age groups, ratios, and the waitlist
Licensed providers follow set staff-to-child ratios and group sizes by age. Ask how many spaces are open for your child's age group, how the waitlist works, and whether a deposit holds a spot. Popular centres can have long waits, so apply early and to more than one.
6. Tour in person and ask the right questions
Visit during program hours. Watch how staff interact with children, ask about educator qualifications and turnover, daily routines, meals and allergies, illness and pick-up policies, and how the provider communicates with parents. Trust what you see as much as what you read.
Ready to start? Browse licensed child care by Ontario city and use this checklist on every tour.