Choosing Quality Child Care

Two children sit next to each other, holding building blocks

Whatever type of child care you choose, the following brochure can provide you with some guidelines to ensure that you are accessing quality child care: Child Care in Ontario.

The early years are an exciting time for you and your child. As a parent, you want to be confident that your child is in a healthy, safe and happy environment that meets your child's needs as he/she grows and learns. There are various types of child care. Each family is encouraged to use the type of child care that will best suit their needs. To assist you in your search for quality child care, listed below is a description of various types of child care to consider.

Licensed Child Care

  • These programs are licensed by the Ministry of Education under the Child Care and Early Years Act to ensure the programs meet specific provincial standards for the health, safety and developmental needs of children. These centres may provide care for infant, toddler, preschool and school-aged children. These programs may be located in elementary schools or in standalone centres.

Licensed Home Child Care

  • Licensed Home Child Care Agencies are licensed by the Ministry of Education. The Licensed Home Child Care Agency contracts individual caregivers who offer child care out of their own homes. Caregivers are screened, approved and monitored by the Home Child Care Agency to ensure compliance with provincial requirements as well as the policies and procedures of the agency. These homes provide care for infant, toddler, preschool and school age children.

Authorized Recreation and Skill Building Programs

  • These recreation programs are not licensed by the Ministry of Education, however they are HIGH FIVE accredited. HIGH FIVE is Canada’s quality standard for children’s recreation and sport. These programs provide care for school-aged children, i.e. turning 6 years of age during the current calendar year.