How Much Is the Cost of Daycare in Toronto?

Child care in Canada: Types, cost, and tips for newcomers

Family service in Canada is an important factor for any family with young children. There are several types of childcare available, such as daycare, nannies, babysitters, and home-based daycare. The cost of these services can vary depending on the type of care and location.

In general, daycare is the most expensive option and a full-time nanny can range from $2,000 to $4,000 per month. For newcomers to Canada, there are many resources available to help you find the best care for your children at an affordable price.

1. Contact your local government or settlement agency for information on daycare services in your area. Many of these agencies provide referrals to publicly funded daycare programs and may be able to help you secure a spot for your child. You can also ask about other childcare options, such as home-based, private daycares, or nanny services.
2. Check if you qualify for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). This program provides additional money to help low- and middle-income families pay for their children’s education and care needs. To qualify, you must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), be a resident of Canada, and be the primary caregiver of the child.
3. Look into subsidized daycare programs offered by provincial and territorial governments. These programs offer reduced fees based on family income and are available to families that meet certain criteria such as residency status and number of children in the household.
4. Take advantage of online resources like www.ontario.ca, www.gov.bc.ca, or childcare.center which provide information on childcare options and funding opportunities in British Columbia or Ontario respectively.
5. Research non-profit organizations that offer affordable childcare services to immigrants and refugees, such as Programs and Services for Newcomer Children and Families or Immigrant Services provided by YMCA in Greater Toronto Area (GTA). You can use websites like ChildCare Center or local childcare referral agencies to compare services and costs in your area. Additionally, you should also research provincial regulations and laws related to children and their care before making a decision.

Child care options in Canada

Babysitting is a vital part of everyday life for many families in Canada, and parents have numerous options to choose from when it comes to the type of care program for children that best fits their needs.

Understanding the different types of child care available in Canada can help parents make an informed decision about what’s right for their family. Centre-based daycare is one of the most popular and widely accepted childcare options available. 

It offers a safe and secure environment for children to play, learn and interact with other children their own age. Centre-based daycares provide educational programs as well as structure during the day to help promote healthy growth, development, and learning in young children. Furthermore, they also provide an opportunity for parents to remain involved in their child's activities throughout the day.

Daycare centres are staffed by experienced professionals who understand how to best care for young children in terms of their developmental needs. They ensure that each child is kept safe and happy while at the centre by providing activities such as indoor/outdoor playtime, arts & crafts, circle time, and story time among others.

Home-based daycare is a great alternative to the traditional childcare options available. It can provide families with an affordable and convenient way to care for their children. By having one or more caregivers look after a small group of children in their own home, this type of childcare allows parents to have peace of mind knowing that their child is safe and well cared for. The benefits of this type of babysitting are numerous.

With home-based care, children get more individual attention from the caregiver as there are fewer kids in the group than at a larger facility-based centre. This allows each child to receive the guidance they need from an experienced adult who has been trained and certified in early childhood development. Additionally, parents can rest assured that their child will be receiving quality care from someone who has gone through background checks and screenings.

There are centers that provide professional infant and children's services. Some provinces also offer subsidies to help make babysitting more affordable.There are also many family-run, as well as home-based daycares run by individuals or groups of caregivers.

Additionally, some employers offer employee-funded programs that can help reduce the cost for working parents in family services. babysitting is an often overlooked aspect of the workplace for employers.

Offering assistance with paying fees can be a great way to increase employee morale and satisfaction with their place of employment. Some employers are taking it a step further by providing on-site caring centers for employees' children that help reduce the cost drastically.

These on-site childcare centers have become more popular as working parents struggle to manage their work/life balance, and many employers feel that this benefit can help retain quality staff members. Not only do these programs save money on the cost of daycare, but they also create a sense of community amongst employees as they come together to share in their parenting experiences. In addition, having care services available at the workplace eliminates commuting time when dropping off and picking up children from sites.

Another option that some are doing is by hiring a nanny or babysitter instead of leaving the child to a caregiver. Having a nanny can be beneficial in various ways. Firstly, this allows parents the freedom to juggle their own work commitments with family time at home. A nanny can also provide individualized attention and care tailored to each child’s needs and interests. Additionally, this type of care arrangement often results in fewer germs as the children will not be exposed to other kids or adults in an open environment such as a center.

However, there are some drawbacks associated with hiring a nanny including the fact that it is more expensive than traditional centers due to the cost of paying someone privately for their services. Overall, there is a wide range of options available for parents who need to find quality programs and centers for their children in Canada.

While exploring various childcare options like centre-based daycare, home-based care, and hiring a nanny, it's equally important for parents to consider effective strategies for managing the costs associated with these services. Childcare expenses can be a significant part of a family's budget, and understanding how to navigate these costs is crucial. For insightful strategies and tips on balancing quality care with financial practicality, delve into our resource 'What type of strategies do parents use to manage childcare costs?'. This guide offers valuable advice on making childcare more affordable without compromising on the quality of care your child receives.

Is Child Care Free In Canada?

This family service in Canada is not free, however, the Canadian government does offer a number of financial assistance programs to help families pay for babysitting.

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides a monthly payment to eligible parents or guardians who have children under 18 years old. Additionally, the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) provides a one-time payment of up to $1,000 per child for those aged 0 - 6. In addition to these benefits, most provinces and territories offer subsidies for childcare costs for families with low incomes.

These subsidies may cover a portion of the cost of childcare services and can be used at any licensed daycare or home-based provider.

How Much Is the Cost of  Daycare In Toronto?

The cost of daycare in Ontario varies depending on a number of factors, such as the location, type of care, and the ages of your children. On average, full-time infant care can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 per month. For a toddler in Toronto daycare, the average cost may range from $850 to $2,200 per month. For preschoolers and pre-kindergarten children, most programs charge between $700 and $1,800 per month.

On average, parent living in Toronto should consider about $700 to $2.200 per month just for a child. It is important to research the different daycare facilities in the city of Toronto prior to making a decision as there are many factors that will impact the overall cost. Additionally, you should consider any additional fees associated with specific programs and services that may be offered by the governess. With careful research and planning, it is possible to find an affordable option for your family's baby-sitter needs.

Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care System (CWELCC) considers the following costs for keeping children in Child Care Centers and Family Child Care. (These values are for December 2022)

Child Care Centre Daily Fees:

Full-Time Care:

Infants (Birth to 18 months) = $72.15

Toddlers (18 to 30 months) = $67.46

Preschool (31 months to Kindergarten entry) = $51.19

Fees have been lowered by 25 per cent due to the Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care System (CWELCC)

Part-Time Care:

Infants (Birth to 18 months) = $41.59

Toddlers (18 to 30 months) = $37.19

Preschool (31 months to Kindergarten entry) = $28.57

Fees have been lowered by 25 per cent due to the Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care System (CWELCC)

Toronto Home Child Care Daily fees:

Under 2 years:

Full-time (6 to 12 hours)$38.09

Part-time (less than 6 hours)$25.79

Extended day (greater than 12 hours)$50.42

2 years until school entry:

Full time (6 to 12 hours)$34.52

Part-time (less than 6 hours)$23.42

Extended day (greater than 12 hours)$45.64

School-age:

School year$26.86

Summer – full time$37.32

Summer – part time$25.38

Extended day (greater than 12 hours)$48.91

Weekend – full time$37.32

Weekend – part time$26.86

Are Daycare fees Tax Deductible In Canada?

In Canada, the costs of daycare can be tax deductible depending on your personal circumstances. If you are a working parent, you may be eligible to claim the Child Care Expense Deduction (CCED), which allows you to claim up to $8,000 for each child under the age of 7 and $5,000 for each child aged 7-16.

 Additionally, if you are a single parent with an income of less than $25,000 or if both parents have an income of less than $40,000 each year, you may be able to further reduce your tax burden by claiming the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit (CFTC) or the Children’s Arts Tax Credit (CATC).

These credits allow you to claim up to $500 per child per year on approved fitness and arts expenses. To make sure that your costs qualify for these deductions or credits and to learn more about how they can benefit your family's finances, it is best to consult a qualified accountant or financial advisor.

Ontario reaches $10-a-day child-care deal with the federal government

For the future of children, high-quality child-care program and early learning must be accessible, flexible, open, and equal. The availability of affordable child care promotes greater gender equality by allowing more potential parents to enter the workforce and achieve greater economic security. Consequently, the percentage of female early childhood educators increases and improves in greater numbers. Affordable, high-quality child care will contribute to supporting our working class, enabling women to work, and providing all of our children in Canada with a good head start in life.

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, stated that Budget 2021 establishes a goal of establishing affordable child care for all families within the next 5 years. By building an early learning and childcare system, we will make life more affordable for Canadian households, create new jobs, grow the middle class, increase women s participation in the workforce, and drive strong economic growth. The federal government will work with the provincial government, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based early learning and childcare system.

The government will invest $30 billion over the next five years, with a minimum of $9.2 billion per year ongoing. Parents outside of Quebec will save 50% on average on fees with this new system by the end of 2022. Reduced fees are also anticipated for licensed childcare by March 2026, when fees will only be $10 a day. This program is called $ 10-a-day child care and you should consider that there are other programs also in place that help parents cope with the added expenses of raising a family, such as the Canada Child Benefit. 

Canada is taking a leap in the right direction when it comes to caring for young children. The $10 a day childcare program introduced by the Canadian government However is not a free daycare option, ensuring parents can provide their kids with a quality caregiver while still being able to work and contribute to their household income. This is a great initiative to help families with the cost of daycare.

Reducing fees to $ 10 per day will make it more affordable for parents, especially those on low incomes, to access quality care and early learning opportunities for their children. The reduction in fees should also incentivize more people to take up licensed childcare, which is important for the overall development of young children.

How to find a child care option that works for your unique situation?

Finding the right care provider for your family can be a daunting task. Knowing what type of care you need and how much you’re willing to spend on it is key to making the best decision. Start by researching different types of care, such as daycare centers, nannies, or home-based options. In our blog, there is a breakdown of the key differences between home daycares and daycare centres to help you make the best decision for your family.

Consider factors like cost, availability, location, and safety before making any decisions. You may also want to research the daycare's curriculum and speak to the staff, if possible. Additionally, it can be helpful to ask other parents in your area for recommendations or experiences they have had with local centers. When possible, visit the facility and talk to other parents who have used it. Ask yourself if this option is a good fit for your family and if it meets your needs. Lastly, don't forget to trust your instincts when choosing the right child care for your unique situation.

If you are looking for quality caregivers near you, you should consider more factors such as location, trust, healthy environment, safety policy, curriculum and budget which are widely explained in the 5 TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST DAYCARE NEAR YOU article.

Conclusion

In conclusion, child care in Canada can be both expensive and difficult to navigate for newcomers. However, with the right research and resources, parents can find a child care program that is well-suited to their needs and budget. New immigrants should take advantage of government programs, such as those offered by Service Canada, to help them learn more about the available options and determine the best choice for their families. Additionally, seeking out information from other families or local organizations can provide invaluable insight into local services and trends.

Access to quality and affordable childcare is an important aspect of the Canadian social safety net. Canada's $ 10-a-day daycare initiatives are an admirable step forward for the nation in providing accessible, equitable baby minding for families across the country. This initiative will help ensure that all children have access to a safe, nurturing learning environment and give parents more economic freedom by lowering their baby minding costs. It will also help facilitate a more gender-equal workforce and boost economic growth.