Ontario families have three main child care options: licensed daycare centres, nannies, and home child care (both licensed and unlicensed). Each has trade-offs around cost, flexibility, socialization, and regulation. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.
Licensed Daycare Centres
Pros: Regulated by the Ministry of Education under the Child Care and Early Years Act. Annual inspections. Staff must include Registered Early Childhood Educators. Structured programming based on Ontario's pedagogy framework. Social interaction with peers. CWELCC-eligible — fees capped at $22/day (heading to $10/day).
Cons: Fixed hours (typically 7am–6pm). Waitlists can be months or years in high-demand areas like Toronto. Your child may get sick more often in the first year due to group exposure. Less flexibility for irregular schedules.
Cost: With CWELCC, approximately $22/day ($440/month) for children under six at participating centres. Check our city-by-city rankings for CWELCC enrollment rates in your area.
Nannies (In-Home Caregivers)
Pros: One-on-one attention. Flexible scheduling. Child stays in their own home environment. Can accommodate siblings of different ages. No exposure to group illnesses.
Cons: No government regulation or inspection. No CWELCC fee reduction. You're an employer — responsible for payroll, CPP, EI, WSIB, and T4s. Finding and retaining quality caregivers can be challenging. Less socialization with peers.
Cost: Typically $18–$25/hour in the GTA, or $2,500–$4,000+/month full-time. Significantly more expensive than CWELCC-enrolled daycare.
Licensed Home Child Care
Pros: Smaller group setting (max 6 children). Home-like environment. Overseen by a licensed agency with home visitors who conduct inspections. Often more flexible hours than centres. May be CWELCC-eligible through the agency.
Cons: Quality varies by individual provider. Less structured programming than centres. If the provider is sick, you may have no backup. Fewer resources and materials than a fully equipped centre.
Unlicensed Home Child Care
Pros: Often the most affordable private option. Cultural or language alignment. Neighbourhood convenience.
Cons: Not inspected by the Ministry. No CWELCC fee reductions. Limited to 5 children maximum by law. No guaranteed standards for safety, nutrition, or programming. If something goes wrong, recourse is limited.
Making the Decision
For most Ontario families, a CWELCC-enrolled licensed daycare centre offers the best combination of quality, affordability, and peace of mind. Start with our ranked listings to find top-rated centres in your city.
Whatever you choose, the neighbourhood matters too. Check Rate My Neighbourhood to see how families rate their community for child-friendliness, and use Ontario School Rankings to plan ahead for the school years. If you're looking for a home near great child care options, Steve can help.