Child care programs in Peel
Peel Region oversees child care programs that give children a learning environment that supports their growth and development. We support families of all backgrounds, cultures, languages, and abilities.
Child care for new and expecting families
Child care is delivered by trained staff and includes meals, activities, and programs to help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Child care also offers families the peace of mind they need while working or going to school.
The child care system in Peel is accessible, affordable, diverse, inclusive, and high-quality.
If you’re not sure where to begin, you’re not alone. Many families feel overwhelmed at first and we can help you navigate child care.
In Peel, child care programs can be either licensed or unlicensed.
Licensed child care is regulated by the Ministry of Education under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014. Peel Region’s Early Years and Child Care Services Division is responsible for overseeing licensed child care in our community.
Unlicensed child care programs are not regulated by Ontario’s Ministry of Education and are not required to meet most provincial standards.
Learn more about the types of child care in Ontario.
About licensed child care
- The Ministry of Education inspects licensed child care programs to make sure they follow mandatory standards for health and safety, staffing, and programming.
- Peel Public Health inspects licensed child care programs to make sure they follow infection control measures and shares inspection results with families.
- Licensed child care programs follow How Does Learning Happen?, the Ministry of Education program document for early years and child care.
In Peel, licensed child care is available in child care centres or in home settings.
Licensed child care centres can include programs operating in the community, Peel schools, or places of worship.
Licensed home child care is provided in someone’s home. The child care provider operates with a contract from a licensed home care agency. And that home child care agency is licensed by the Ministry of Education.
Licensed before and after school programs are offered through schools and child care centres for children 6 to 12 years. They provide children with safe, structured, and play-based indoor and outdoor activities. Families can also use before and after school programs to keep children engaged during school breaks and PA days.
Licensed child care can include full or part day in centres and homes. The right choice is the one that works best for your family. It’s okay to ask questions when choosing child care. Asking about routines, the ratio of educators to children, and how educators communicate helps you find a good fit for your family.
When starting to look for child care, think about your family’s needs and what’s important to you. For example, how many days a week do you need care and during which hours? Do you need care closer to home or where you go to work or school? Are cultural considerations important to you?
What you can do to help make your decision:
- Think about your needs and your child’s needs. Support is available if you’re looking for affordable options, flexible schedules, or programs that offer extra supports for children who need it.
- Research what you need to know before starting to look.
- Start your search early for a licensed child care program.
- Call and visit a child care setting.
- Make your final decision.
Also refer to: questions to ask a child care provider
Start your search
You can find licensed child care near you using our child care search tool
From there you can contact programs directly to ask questions, register, and join waitlists.
If you need support in navigating the tool you can speak with someone directly at 905-890-9432 or contact@infopeel.ca
Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) plan
If you have a child younger than 6 years old, consider registering them in a child care program that is funded under the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) plan. Child care programs that are enrolled in CWELCC charge a maximum daily rate of $22.
Child Care Subsidy
Help for families with children 12 years and younger to pay for child care costs that CWELCC doesn't cover. Families in Peel receiving subsidy pay less than $5 a day on average for licensed child care.
Peel Inclusion Resource Services (PIRS) is a free service that helps families with children who need extra support to participate fully in child care. Your child doesn’t need to have a diagnosis to access the supports. Learn more
Finding licensed child care can take time. In Peel, each licensed child care provider manages its own waitlist. This means that families will need to contact and register with each child care provider they are interested in. How long you wait depends on your child’s age, the program, and how many spaces become available.
While first come, first served waitlists are common, it’s not the only factor.
Programs may follow their own policies when offering spaces and may prioritize spaces based on things like siblings of children already enrolled, spaces for children of staff, and balancing age groups in the program.
Here are some things that you can do:
- Register for child care early, even before your child arrives.
- Ask programs that you’re interested in how their waitlist works.
- Apply to several programs to increase your chances.
- Stay in touch with providers to update your information.
- Be flexible with location, schedule or program type if you can.
We want to hear about your experience with Peel’s early years and child care system. If you have questions, concerns or feedback, share them with us.
Find child care
Search for licensed child care including before and after school programs near you.