How to Find $10-a-Day Child Care in Ontario?
Ontario’s child care sector is currently undergoing significant transformations due to new government funding models and expansive growth plans. These changes are particularly crucial for parents, especially young moms, who need to understand and effectively navigate the evolving child care landscape. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the process, providing insights into current and future funding models and offering practical tips for securing affordable child care.
Insights into the Current Child Care Funding Model
Child care centres in Ontario that participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) agreement receive significant government support. This funding model operates on a revenue substitution basis, where the government covers 52.75% of tuition fees. This substantial government contribution is crucial for maintaining the operational viability of child care centres and keeping costs manageable for families, thereby ensuring broader access to quality child care.
Understanding the Proposed New Funding Model
The Ontario Ministry of Education is considering a shift to a cost-based funding model for child care. This proposed change has raised concerns among private child care operators, as it could lead to fewer private centres participating in government-funded programs. This reduction could significantly impact the availability and affordability of child care spots, affecting where and how parents can access funded child care services.
The Current Status of Child Care Spots in Ontario
The distribution and availability of child care spots vary significantly across Ontario. Here’s what this means for child care availability in various cities:
| City | Population 0-4 as per 2021 Census** | Number of Infant Spots | %* | Number of Toddler Spots | % | Number of Preschool Spots | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrie | 7,340 | 113 | 2% | 550 | 8% | 1,356 | 20% |
| Burlington | 8,640 | 246 | 3% | 931 | 11% | 2,119 | 28% |
| Hamilton | 29,100 | 322 | 1% | 1,316 | 5% | 2,857 | 10% |
| Kitchener | 14,665 | 155 | 1% | 570 | 4% | 1,314 | 9% |
| London | 27,030 | 587 | 2% | 1,510 | 6% | 3,309 | 13% |
| Markham | 14,350 | 232 | 2% | 1,180 | 8% | 3,529 | 27% |
| Milton | 8,595 | 159 | 2% | 733 | 9% | 1,521 | 20% |
| Niagara Falls | 4,095 | 40 | 1% | 221 | 5% | 449 | 12% |
| Oakville | 9,280 | 338 | 4% | 1,485 | 17% | 2,970 | 40% |
| St. Catherines | 6,125 | 108 | 2% | 374 | 6% | 922 | 16% |
* Number of children out of 100 who have access to childcare.
** Data is taken from the 2021 Canada Census of Population.
Each of these cities has different numbers of available spots for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
The Ministry of Education has developed a directed growth plan and allocated a specific number of child care spots to various regions. Overall, they are committed to opening 53,000 new child care spots by 2026, which will accommodate an additional 7% of children aged 0-4 in Ontario, based on the 2021 Census total of 683,515 children. However, this increase will barely keep pace with the immigration-driven population growth over a three-year period.
A closer look at some of the larger cities reveals varying scenarios. For example, in the Halton region, no funding is available for new child care spots as it already has the highest number across Ontario. In contrast, Hamilton has been allocated 702 spots, which will increase its child care capacity by 3%. Kitchener will see 1,025 allocated spots, boosting the availability from 14% to 23%.
In London, Ontario, the allocation of 2,889 new funded spots will increase the number of affordable spots from 21% to 32%. This means that currently, 2 out of every 10 children have access to child care spots, and by 2026, this will increase to 3 out of every 10 children.
In Mississauga, the Ministry has allocated 11,980 new spots, the largest allocation in the province, which is expected to increase affordability by 17%.
However, there's a caveat—between 60-80% of these spots, depending on the region, must be operated by non-profit entities. This requirement raises questions about whether there are enough non-profit organizations in the province willing to participate in the program. While the published numbers appear promising, a deeper analysis reveals that we are still in the early stages of the affordable child care journey. Currently, the number of affordable spots in the province is minimal, and the situation is unlikely to change significantly by 2026.
Barriers for Child Care Operators
The Ministry of Education has also created several barriers for child care operators wishing to expand into new regions. For instance, if a child care operator manages a facility in one region, they face more challenging/demanding/additional conditions to open new centers in different regions under the CWELCC agreement. These restrictive conditions can lead to situations where the same operator offers affordable rates in one region and full fees in another, complicating the landscape for both operators and families seeking affordable child care.
Tips for Securing an Affordable Child Care Spot
Know the Enrolment Process: Child care centres have different enrolment periods—some in September, others in May. Aligning your application with these periods is key.
Join a Waitlist Early: Due to the high demand for $10-a-day spots, it’s wise to get on the waitlist as soon as you’re planning or expecting a baby. The earlier, the better, as some waitlists can span two years.
Stay Proactive: Once on a waitlist, keep in touch with the child care centre. Ensure they know you're still interested and update any personal details or child care needs that may have changed.
Consider Child Care Near Your Work: Although it might seem convenient to have child care close to home, locations near your workplace can ease the logistics of daily commutes.
Explore All Options: While securing a $10-a-day spot is ideal, also consider other local options. Even if they are full fee, they offer peace of mind knowing your child is in a safe and nurturing environment.
Ask for Rate Improvement: Your child care operator may be able to offer you a more attractive rate, or over time qualify for additional $10-a-day spots.
Conclusion
The transition towards more affordable child care in Ontario offers many benefits but also presents complexities for both private operators and parents. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate this evolving landscape more effectively, securing a child care spot that meets your needs without overwhelming your budget. Continue to explore every avenue to ensure your child receives the best possible care, balancing cost with quality and accessibility.
