Childcare & Education
Everything newcomer families need to know — from finding affordable daycare and enrolling your child in school, to free language classes and financial benefits you may be eligible for.
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.
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'.