Child care in Durham Region
What to know about finding licensed child care, how fees work, and why to start looking before you buy.
See how it works
Finding licensed care
Spaces can be hard to find, and wait lists are common. The Region of Durham has two free tools.
Child Care Program Locator
A map that shows licensed child care near an address and the programs that fit your family. Try it with the address of a home you are considering.
Child Care Directory
A searchable list of licensed centres and licensed home child care agencies, with contact details.
Both tools are on the Region of Durham's finding child care page.
Wait lists and fees
Call each provider
There is no single wait list. Each operator keeps its own, so contact every provider you like. For home child care, ask the licensed agency.
Ask about reduced fees
Under Canada's early learning and child care system, eligible families pay reduced fees. You do not apply, but the provider must be enrolled, so ask each one.
Fee help
Ontario's child care fee subsidy is still available to eligible families, based on income and the child's age. The Region explains how to apply.
A tip for buyers
If you have young children, start your search for child care as soon as you shortlist a town. Waiting for the move to be final can mean a longer wait.