Childcare & Education
Everything newcomer families need to know: finding affordable daycare, enrolling your child in school, free language classes, and financial benefits you may be eligible for.
Start here
Choose your province first
Childcare fees, school systems, and subsidy rules change by province. Set your province once and the page will stay focused on the guidance that matters.
Province quick switcher
Choose your province once, then keep using the guides below without starting over.
Just Arrived? Start Here
If you have just arrived in Canada with children, these are the most important steps to take right away. Complete them in order of urgency.
File your taxes (both parents)
When: Do this within your first monthEven if you had no income in Canada, both parents must file a tax return. This is required to receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), which provides up to $666.41/month per child under 6. File as soon as possible after arriving.
Register your child for school
When: Do this within your first weekVisit your neighbourhood school or your school board's newcomer assessment centre. Bring whatever documents you have (even if incomplete). Your child can start within days.
Get on daycare waitlists immediately
When: Do this within your first weekIf your child is under 5, register on waitlists right away. In major cities, waits can be several months to over a year depending on the city and age group. Apply to at least 5-10 centres. Ask about the $10/day CWELCC program.
Apply for provincial health cards
When: Do this within your first two weeksYour children need a provincial health card for school and daycare enrollment. As a PR or refugee claimant, you are eligible immediately in most provinces.
Connect with a settlement agency
When: Do this within your first weekSettlement agencies offer free help with school registration, finding childcare, understanding the education system, and translating documents. Search 'settlement agency [your city]' or call 211.
Update immunizations
When: Do this within your first monthBook an appointment with your local public health unit to review your child's vaccination records. Schools require proof of immunization, but your child can start while catching up.
Types of Childcare
Understanding your options helps you make the best choice for your family.
Childcare Costs & $10/Day Program
Canada is rolling out $10/day childcare nationally. Status varies by province.
Compare licensed childcare fees by province
Use this table to compare typical fees, the current low-fee status, and how difficult it may be to find a space.
| Province | Infant | Preschool | $10/day status | Space pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | $900-1,400 | $800-1,000/month | In Progress | Very high |
| Alberta | $900-1,300 | $700-1,000/month | Flat $15/day | High |
| Saskatchewan | $600-900 | $400-700/month | Achieved | Moderate |
| Manitoba | $600-800 | $400-600/month | Achieved | Moderate |
| Ontario | $800-2,000 | $600-1,500/month | In Progress | Very high |
| Quebec | $192/mo | $9.35/day base | Already low | High |
| New Brunswick | $500-800 | $400-650/month | In Progress | Moderate |
| Nova Scotia | $600-900 | $450-700/month | In Progress | High |
| Prince Edward Island | $450-600 | $350-500/month | Achieved | Moderate |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $500-800 | $400-650/month | Achieved | Moderate |
| Northwest Territories | $0 | Free under 5 | Free | Moderate |
| Yukon | $0 | Free under 5 | Free | Very high |
| Nunavut | $500-900 | $400-700/month | Achieved | Moderate |
$10/day Childcare: Where It Exists and How to Move Fast
The headline is not enough. You need to know whether the low fee is broadly available, whether spaces are scarce, and what actions get you on lists quickly.
Achieved or free now
These provinces or territories already have $10/day or free licensed care for many families.
Quebec low-fee model
Quebec uses its own subsidized CPE system with a base daily fee rather than the national program.
Still rolling out
Fees are lower than 2021 levels, but many families still pay above $10/day unless they get a rare low-fee space.
Waitlist Tips That Save Time
- 1Join every licensed waitlist you can find, ideally 5 to 10 programs within commuting distance.
- 2Ask whether the centre is enrolled in the fee reduction system before paying a registration fee.
- 3Apply as soon as you know your work or arrival timeline. Infant spaces are the hardest to get.
- 4Ask about sibling priority, subsidy priority, and whether part-time spaces convert to full-time later.
- 5Follow up every 6 to 8 weeks. Some centres quietly remove families who never reply.
- 6Use local childcare resource and referral agencies, YMCA, and municipal lists to find openings faster.
Waitlist Tips
Register as early as possible
In major cities, waitlists can be 1-2 years long. Register during pregnancy if you can. Many cities have centralized waitlist systems (e.g., OneList in BC, Toronto's centralized system).
Apply to multiple centres
Do not wait for one centre to respond. Apply to 5-10 centres in your area. Put your name on every waitlist available.
Consider licensed home daycares
They often have shorter waitlists than centres and can be excellent. Ask your childcare resource centre for a list.
Check for priority access
Some centres prioritize siblings of current attendees, children of staff, or families with subsidies. Ask about priority criteria.
Stay in touch
Call centres every 2-3 months to confirm you are still on the list. Some centres remove families who do not follow up.
Use your local Childcare Resource Centre
Every province has free childcare resource and referral programs that help you find available spots. Search '[your city] childcare resource centre'.
Estimate Your Childcare Cost
Select your province above to see current costs. Then check the Financial Support tab for detailed subsidies, income thresholds, and application steps specific to your province.
1. Select your province in the cost section above
2. Note the monthly cost range for your child's age group
3. Check if your province has reached $10/day (fee reduction is automatic at participating centres)
4. Visit the Financial Support tab to see if you qualify for additional provincial subsidies
5. Apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to receive tax-free monthly payments
Choosing a Daycare: Questions to Ask
Before enrolling your child, visit the daycare and ask these key questions. A good centre will welcome your visit and answer openly.
Is the centre licensed?
Licensed centres are inspected regularly, must meet staff-to-child ratios, and follow provincial health and safety rules. Always choose licensed over unlicensed.
What are the hours of operation?
Check if hours match your work schedule. Some centres open at 7 AM and close at 6 PM. Late pickup fees can be $1-5 per minute.
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
Provincial regulations set minimum ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for preschoolers). Lower ratios mean more individual attention for your child.
Is the centre part of the $10/day CWELCC program?
Centres enrolled in the federal fee reduction program charge significantly less. Ask if fees have already been reduced or when they will be.
What is the waitlist timeline?
In major cities, waitlists vary widely depending on the city and age group. Ask for an honest estimate and whether there is any priority system (siblings, subsidized families, etc.).
What meals and snacks are provided?
Some centres include meals in the fee, others require you to pack lunches. Ask about allergy policies and whether culturally diverse foods are accommodated.
How do you handle discipline?
Canadian daycares use positive reinforcement, not physical punishment. Ask about their approach to conflict resolution and behaviour guidance.
Can I visit or observe before enrolling?
A good centre will encourage a tour and trial visit. Watch how staff interact with children, check cleanliness, and observe the outdoor play area.
What are the sick-child policies?
Most centres have rules about fever, vomiting, or contagious illness. Know when your child must stay home and how quickly you need to pick them up if they get sick.
Do you offer part-time or flexible schedules?
If you work part-time or have irregular hours, ask if they offer 2-day, 3-day, or half-day options. Not all centres are flexible.
Regulated vs Unregulated Childcare
Understanding the difference between regulated (licensed) and unregulated childcare is important for your child's safety.
Regulated (Licensed)
- Inspected regularly by provincial government
- Must meet staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for preschoolers)
- Staff must have ECE credentials
- Must follow health and safety standards
- Eligible for $10/day CWELCC and provincial subsidies
- Parent complaints go to the licensing body
Includes: Licensed centre-based daycare, licensed home daycare agencies, before/after school programs
Unregulated (Unlicensed)
- Not inspected by the government
- No mandatory staff credentials
- No required staff-to-child ratios
- Not eligible for $10/day CWELCC
- Not eligible for most subsidies
- Quality varies significantly
Includes: Nannies, unlicensed home daycares, babysitters, informal arrangements
We strongly recommend choosing regulated (licensed) childcare. The safety standards, regular inspections, and trained staff provide important protections for your child.
How to verify: Check your province's online childcare registry or call the licensing office. Licensed centres must display their licence prominently.
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care
Canada funds several Indigenous-led childcare and early learning programs. These programs are open to Indigenous families and, in some cases, to all families in the community.