5 steps to finding child care services

kids  by jess2284.  CC BY-SA

If you have a young child, one of the most important services that you will need is child care. In Canada, children from three months to 12 years cannot be left home unsupervised. You will need a safe, reliable and affordable day-care centre for them.

Quality child care helps your children learn and have fun while developing their social skills. It also allows you to pursue your career or education without having to worry about your children’s comfort, safety and well-being while you are away.

Here’s how to find a good child care facility:

1. Search for centres

   Newcomer parents can search for child care facilities by word-of-mouth, through settlement agencies, online using the Child Care Online Search Tool, via social media, or through neighbourhood bulletins. Ask your neighbours and friends who have young kids if they can refer a place for you. Your Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement Worker can also recommend one. Nowadays, child care centres also advertise their services through Facebook Groups and other online means.

   Use the Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Online Search Tool to look for licensed day-care service by type of facility, location and age of child/ren. Generally, there are two types of facilities: child care centres and family child care homes. The main difference between the two is that the number of children is less in a home than in a centre. There are also unlicensed home child care providers in Manitoba. However, if you use unlicensed care, you cannot receive subsidies to help with your child care fees. Read Types of child care centres in Manitoba to know more about your options.

2. Visit the place

   After listing down the centres or homes you prefer, take time to visit them. Observe whether they are clean and safe. See if they are properly run, equipped and staffed. This will be a good opportunity to ask questions about their policies or other specific concerns you may have. If your child has additional support needs, this is the best time to bring it up. Watch Quality Child Care in Focus: What Parents Should Look For from the Finding Quality Child Care site (CCRU) to help you in your decision-making.

3. Register for services

   The Online Registry tool is Manitoba’s centralized waiting list. Once you have chosen which facility (ies) you like, register and sign up here. There may be some waiting time depending on the demand.

   Visit a child care centre that you like or one that is near your home. You can ask directly if a slot is available. You can also speak to the administrators and learn more about the centre.

4. Apply for subsidy

   Part of your child care fees may be shouldered by the province. To see if you are eligible use the Subsidy Eligibility Estimator and then apply on this page: Child Care Online.

5. Be involved

   After you have enrolled your child, you are encouraged to check in and talk to the facility director, staff or child care provider. Always take an active interest in your child’s progress to get the best out of your child care service arrangement.

Article updated December 3, 2020.