Finding Quality Child Care

Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care System

On March 28, 2022, the Ontario government announced that it had reached a deal with the federal government to lower child care fees for families in Ontario through the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system.                                                                                                                                                                                            On April 12, the Region of Durham, as the service manager for early learning and child care in Durham Region, received guidelines from the Ministry of Education with details on how to roll out the plan and act on this announcement. Work continues to refine the implementation plan that will support child care operators and Durham Region families. Roll out will occur as quickly as possible, including enrolling child care operators so that fee rebates for eligible families can occur. More information will be provided as it becomes available. 

Child care

COVID-19 infection prevention and control in child care

The Children's Services Division is committed to working alongside the Durham Region Health Department and Ministry of Education to support health and safety requirements within licensed child care centres and home child care agencies in Durham Region.

Licensed child care operators have health and safety protocols as guided by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health. Operators and educators have maintained welcoming inclusive environments that promote a sense of belonging, well-being, expression, and engagement for children of all ages.

Daily screening tool

Individuals should continue to self-screen each day before attending child care. The provincial COVID-19 school and child care screening tool may be used. 

Finding quality child care and children's programs for your child in Durham Region.

Licensed child care for infants, toddlers, pre-school and school-aged children is offered in centres and homes across the region. Durham Region owns and operates seven early learning and child care centres, as well as provides support to more than 200 licensed child care centres. Use the Children's Program Locator or the Child Care Directory to find licensed care that meets your family's needs.

Child Care Directory  The Children's Program Locator

Watch the video below to learn how to use the Children’s Program Locator or Child Care Directory to find licensed care that meets your family’s needs.

When you're looking for a child care, there are some common questions to ask the child care provider.

Here are some tips to help your child get ready for child care.

The Ontario Ministry of Education has rules for child care, and inspects all licensed home child care and licensed child care centres. 

Many licensed child care centres in Durham Region must meet Durham Region's Operating Criteria (DROC). These assessments rank rooms as exceeding, meeting or not meeting expectations.

Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care System

On March 28, 2022, the Ontario government announced(link to announcement) that it had reached a deal with the federal government to lower child care fees for families in Ontario through the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system. As the service manager for early learning and child care in Durham Region, The Children’s Services Division awaits details from the Ministry of Education to begin to act on this announcement, including fee rebates for eligible families. More information will be provided as it becomes available.