How to Choose the Right Childcare Centre in Canada: A Simple Parent Guide

Finding childcare in Canada is stressful for almost every parent. The waitlists, the tours, the pressure of “making the right choice” — it all adds up. So here’s a simple, human guide focused only on what really matters.

1. Make Sure It’s Licensed

This is your starting point.

A licensed centre means:

• Educators meet provincial qualifications
• Safety and hygiene standards are enforced
• Ratios and group sizes follow regulations
• Regular inspections happen

It doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it guarantees a basic level of protection for your child.

2. Understand the Program Style (Reggio? Montessori? Play-Based?)

Every childcare centre has a philosophy — even if they don’t say it out loud.
And the “right” one depends on your child’s personality.

Here’s the simple version:

Play-Based / Emergent Curriculum (Most Common in Canada)

• Children learn through exploration and real experiences
• Focus on social skills, emotional development, creativity
• Flexible, warm, child-led
• Great for most kids

Reggio Emilia

• Highly child-led
• Projects come from children’s interests
• Strong use of natural materials
• Teachers observe deeply and follow the child’s curiosity
• Feels warm, collaborative, community-oriented

Montessori

• Structured, calm, organized environment
• Children learn practical life skills, independence, routine
• Mixed-age classrooms
• Great for children who thrive on order and consistency

Academic-Enriched / Structured Programs

• More teacher-led
• Early focus on numbers, letters, routines
• Useful for families who prefer more predictable structure

There’s no “best” approach — only what fits your child.
If your child is curious and exploratory → Reggio/Play-Based may feel right.
If your child likes order, routine, and independence → Montessori might be a great fit.

When touring, ask:
“How would you describe your program philosophy?”
If they can’t explain it clearly, that’s usually a sign.

3. Visit the Centre — And Pay Attention to How It Feels

A childcare centre should feel safe and warm the moment you walk in.

Look for:

• Children who seem genuinely comfortable
• Educators who kneel, smile, and engage
• A space that’s clean but not “perfect”
• An outdoor area that’s secure and actually used

Your instinct matters here.
If you walk out thinking, “I don’t know why, but this didn’t feel right,” trust that.

4. Ask About Communication

Good centres don’t disappear once you drop your child off.

Ask:

• How they update parents
• How they handle incidents
• Whether they share developmental observations
• If educators are easy to reach

You want a partnership — not radio silence.

5. Understand the Fees Clearly

Childcare is a big monthly cost, so ask for the full picture:

• Monthly fee
• Registration fee
• Deposit rules
• Late pick-up fees
• Whether they participate in fee-reduction programs (CCFRI in BC, CWELCC in Ontario)

Sometimes the “cheaper” centre becomes more expensive once hidden fees show up — or vice versa.

The Bottom Line

There’s no perfect childcare centre.
There’s only the one where:

• Your child feels safe
• You feel informed
• The educators feel warm and stable
• The program philosophy matches your child’s nature

Choose the place where drop-off feels less like a worry and more like a relief.