Are you new to Canada with a young family? Finding affordable childcare in Canada is vital for your child’s well-being and your own economic growth.
In this guide, we’ll break down childcare options, costs, and resources to help you navigate childcare in Canada easily.
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Why Affordable Childcare Matters
Canada welcomes newcomers, many of whom come with young families. Having access to affordable childcare in Canada is essential for several reasons:
- Young Families: Newcomers often start families at a younger age than the average Canadian.
- Economic Growth: Affordable childcare helps parents work, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
- Social Prosperity: When parents can access good childcare, it benefits society by supporting families.
Read More: New Canada Child Benefit Payment Will Be Sent on August 18th, 2023
Finding the Right Option for Childcare in Canada
There are various options for childcare in Canada ranging from nannies, daycare centres, home daycare, and before and after-school programs. Here are some ways:
Start Online
Check your city’s website for a list of licensed childcare centers.
Explore your province’s Ministry of Education website. It will also provide you with a list of licensed centers in your area.
Ask Locals
Look for information on community center bulletin boards.
Talk to parents in your community for recommendations. They may know of unlicensed or informal childcare options.
Settlement Services
As a newcomer, reach out to your local settlement service provider. They often offer childcare services for newcomer children and can guide you.
Waitlist Wisdom
Childcare spots in Canada can be limited. Many centers have waitlists. It’s a good idea to register as soon as you can to secure a spot.
Costs of Childcare in Canada
In 2022, Statistics Canada conducted a survey and asked people in Canada questions about how they take care of their children.
They wanted to know how much money families spend on different types of childcare, like daycare centers or babysitters, in each part of Canada.
In 2022, parents paid an average of $7,790 per year for full-time childcare for children aged 0 to 5. Here’s a breakdown:
On average, this is about $649 per month for full-time care or $31 per day.
Age Matters:
- 0-3 Years: Parents paid more for children aged 0 to 3. It costs an average of $8,146 per year for full-time care.
- 4-5 Years: For 4-to-5-year-olds in full-time childcare, it averaged $6,880 per year.
Type of Care:
- In-Home Non-Relative: The most expensive option was full-time care by a non-relative in the child’s home, like a nanny. This averaged $26,669 per year.
- Center-Based: Full-time center-based care averaged $7,957 per year.
- Family Childcare Home: Parents pay an average of $7,042 per year for full-time care in a family childcare home.
Supply of Childcare Centers Across Canada
In April 2022, Canada had 12,466 childcare centers. They took care of around 565,000 children aged 0 to 5. Some facts:
- Non-Profit Centers: About 4 in 10 centers were non-profit organizations.
- Trained Staff: Many centers had staff with post-secondary early childhood education (ECE) training. This often means better-quality care for your child.
Childcare Use Across Canada
More than half of children aged 0 to 5 in Canada participate in childcare. Here’s a closer look:
- Daycare Centers: Daycare centers are the most common choice for childcare.
- Relatives: Almost one-quarter of children in childcare stay with relatives other than their parents.
- Family Childcare Homes: One in five children is in a family childcare home.
- Pandemic Impact: Childcare use decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Evening or Weekend Care: This type of care was more common among one-parent families.
- Regional Differences: It was less common in Quebec and the Eastern provinces.
Conclusion:
Navigating childcare in Canada is essential for a newcomer. Remember to start your search early, explore local resources, and be prepared for variations in costs and availability.
Affordable and accessible childcare can make a big difference in your family’s well-being and your own career opportunities in Canada.
