Working mothers and daycare: plan early

Daycare needs arranging early, because a waiting list does not guarantee a place. And the responsibility does not have to sit with you alone; it can be shared between both parents.

1. As soon as you know the area and start date, search your province’s official childcare directory, and ask centres when registration opens for your child’s age and whether the waiting list is central or per centre.
2. Compare licensing and inspection records if available, hours, meals and allergies, support for additional needs, and late, absence and cancellation fees. Visit in person, and ask for a written agreement before paying anything.
3. Ask about your province’s fee-reduction programme and financial support, and how to apply. A licence alone does not guarantee a subsidized place, so ask about the subsidy specifically.
4. Arrange backup care for sick days and closures now, and agree on authorized people for pickup and drop-off. A day the daycare is closed is usually a day your work is disrupted too.
5. Prepare emergency contacts, allergy details and the required vaccination records, and allow adjustment time before you start work; a child needs a few days to settle into the place.
6. Work out your take-home income after childcare and transport, and discuss flexible hours with your employer. Keep the daycare receipts and ask a professional how they are treated for tax in your family’s case.

Caution: “$10 a day” is not a guaranteed uniform price for every centre and child in Canada; ask for the actual price.

Bottom line: Daycare needs arranging early, because a waiting list does not guarantee a place. And the responsibility does not have to sit with you alone; it can be shared between both parents.

Last reviewed: 27 September 2026