Choosing the Right Care

Choosing child care can feel overwhelming. You want the best care for your child while balancing cost, location, quality, and your family’s needs. This guide will help you understand your options and how to get started.

Licensed vs. Unlicensed Care

• Licensed care is regulated by the Ministry of Education, inspected regularly, and must meet defined health, safety, and quality standards.
• Unlicensed care is not routinely inspected and does not follow the same provincial requirements, though the ministry investigates complaints.

Licensed Child Care Options

• Child Care Centres (Ages 0–4): Full-day, nursery school, and extended hours. Includes trained staff, structured programming, and potential subsidies.
• Home Child Care (Ages 0–12): Small group settings, siblings can stay together, monitored by licensed agencies, may offer extended hours.
• Before- and After-School Programs (Ages 4–12): Usually operated within schools, cover before/after classes, PA days, and holidays.

What to Look For

• Interview providers first, then arrange a tour.
• Look for posted licenses, staff engagement, safe and clean environments, and clear communication with families.

How to Apply

Use the London & Middlesex Region Child Care Waitlist (One List) to apply to multiple licensed programs at once. Availability depends on program type, location, and demand.

Financial Supports

• Child Care Fee Subsidy (City of London) – reduces licensed care costs for eligible families.
• Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement (CWELCC): Helps make care more affordable for children under 6.
• Ontario Child Care Tax Credit: Supports families with incomes up to $150,000.

Preparing Your Child

• Attend free drop-in playgroups through EarlyON programs or local libraries.
• Visit the child care program before starting.
• Ease your child in gradually and work with staff on transition strategies.

Additional Supports

• Community Connectors at Family Centres can connect you to local services.
• MLHU Telephone Support: Call 519-663-5317 weekdays for parenting/child health advice.
• Health 811: Free 24/7 nurse advice line (call 811).