http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/childfamilyhealth/childfamilyhealth.aspChildcare and Early Learning

Giving children the best possible start in life is important.  Quality childcare and early learning programs, for children from birth to 6, help children develop important learning and social skills.

Childcare

Childcare is care that is offered by someone other than the parent. It may be offered in:

• A childcare centre
• The child’s home
• The childcare provider’s home

Childcare centres are licensed places where children are cared for by qualified staff. Home care can be offered in the child’s home or in the caregiver’s home, and may or may not be licensed. 

The Region of Waterloo Social Services Children’s Services Division manages the local licensed childcare system and has more information. 

Unlicensed or informal childcare is a private plan between parents and a caregiver. The caregiver may be another family member, a friend, or someone else. 

See the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services website for more information about licensed childcare and unlicensed childcare.

Child Care Connection has many childcare resources, including a database of licensed childcare programs in Waterloo Region. 

Early Learning Programs

Early learning programs may be offered in childcare settings or may be programs that parents can attend with their children.  Early Years and Resource Centres, community centres, and other community organizations may offer early learning and parenting programs. 

When choosing a childcare service or early learning program, you may want to find out about:

• Program quality
• Costs and what is included in those costs
• Program schedules and hours
• Ways of getting to the program or service from your work and home
• Screening programs and extra supports, like parenting or nutrition programs for parents
• Other social or cultural issues that are important to you
   

Visit the program, talk to the staff, and ask questions to make sure that your children are in a healthy and safe learning environment.

To find out if you are eligible for financial help like child care supplements or tax benefits, visit the Ministry of Revenue.

You may also be interested in Your Child’s Education or Activities for Children and Families.

For more information…

• The Ministry of Children and Youth Services has information about all the children and youth programs and services provided by the Government of Ontario.
• Region of Waterloo Public Health - Child and Family Health Division - also has more information about resources about healthy child development.
  
• The Ministry of Children and Youth Services also has information about Early Years Centres, and information on early child development and health in other languages
• Ontarioimmigration.ca also has more information about preschool and childcare
• Canadian Child Care Federation