We need parent voices! Parents are some of the most effective advocates for improvements to child care. Do you have an opinion on your experience with child care? Would you like to share your story? We want to hear from you. Email info@childcareontario.org to get involved.
Share this Video!
Please check out the following video "A Day Without Child Care". This video presents the importance of child care services in a humorous context. I encourage you to share this video on social media!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGpEXKgU20A
Parents Looking for Child Care
When looking for child care, most parents are looking for a licensed child care space in a child care centre or in a licensed home child care agency.
Licensed child care means that providers are registered and following the Child Care and Early Years Act.
Licensed child care centres are inspected yearly, whereas licensed home child cares are inspected at least four times a year, sometimes more.
- You can find a licensed child care near you by following this link: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/finding.html
- You can find a licensed home child care agency by following this link: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/homebased.html
There is, however, not enough licensed child care to meet the need of families. In fact, Ontario only has licensed child care space for 20% of all children.
- Choosing an unlicensed provider is a difficult choice. You can access resources from the Canadian Child Care Federation on what to look for in choosing child care for your child by following this link: http://www.cccf-fcsge.ca/parents/
- Complaints regarding unlicensed child care: Have you seen an unlicensed provider with more than five children? This is illegal and unsafe. Ontario has a complaints-based system for unlicensed child care. The only protection for children in unlicensed care is a complaint, so if you see something that isn’t right, report it. For information on complaints, please visit: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/offices.html