1. Start Early — As Early as Possible

Daycare in Toronto is competitive, and many centres have waitlists of 18–24 months, especially non-profits.
Ideal timeline:

• As soon as you are expecting (yes — during pregnancy!)

• If you already have a child: today is the best day to start
  

2. Understand the Types of Childcare in Toronto

Before applying, know the difference:

Non-Profit Centres

• Often inside schools/community centres

• Governed by a Board of Directors

• Follow AQI standards

• Usually high demand, long waitlists

Private Centres

• Operated by an owner/privately

• Vary widely in philosophy and quality

• Do not follow AQI (unless opted into CWELCC)
  
  

Home Daycares

• Licensed home daycare (agency-monitored)

• Unlicensed home daycare (not regulated — tour thoroughly!)

CWELCC Participation

Not all centres have opted in — this impacts cost significantly. Some centers may not stay opted in - it is important to ask about this!

3. Gather Your Application Tools

Before you start applying to waitlists, prepare:

• Your full name and contact info

• Child’s name and birthdate (or due date)

• Preferred start date

• Any special needs or dietary requirements

• Whether you need full-fee, CWELCC, or subsidy

• Your geographical boundaries
  
  

4. Use the TELCCS Umbrella Waitlist (City-Run Centres)

City-operated centres use a single application platform:
➡️ TELCCS Waitlist (apply to up to 10 centres in your area)

https://secure.toronto.ca/children/fullfee/

This saves time and covers multiple locations at once.

5. Apply to Independent Centres Individually

Each private, non-profit, and home centre has its own waitlist.

✔ Apply to many centres (10–20 is normal in Toronto)
✔ Do not rely on your top 1–2
✔ Apply early; spots often free up during transitions (Sept & Jan)
✔ Email is the best method of contact
✔ Avoid calling (classroom staff do not handle waitlists)

You can find a list of daycares in the East End here: https://www.eastendmomfriends.com/resources/east-toronto-daycare-directory

Hot tip from the ebook:
Waitlist numbers don’t mean much because families are duplicated across many lists. Spots move quickly when someone accepts a space elsewhere.

6. Track & Follow Up

Create a simple spreadsheet with:

• Centre name

• Contact info

• Date applied

• Waitlist confirmation

• Date of follow-up
  

Follow up every few months via email to show continued interest. DO NOT show up or call, Staff on the floor are unable to give you any information about wait lists.

7. Book Tours Early

Book tours before a space is offered if possible (note, since 2020 not all centres will allow this, you can request a virtual tour).
During tours, ask:

• Pedagogy & philosophy

• Behaviour management

• Curriculum style (ELECT, Montessori-inspired, Reggio)

• Sick policy

• Food program

• Staff qualifications / turnover

• Nap expectations

• Fire drill/lockdown procedures

• Pick-up policies

• Parent communication methods

• Security features

• Whether they accept subsidy or CWELCC

Bring your green/red flag list to every tour

8. Apply for Subsidy (Optional)

If you may qualify for childcare subsidy, apply early:

➡️ You can apply as soon as you’re expecting
➡️ Use the estimator tool on the City of Toronto website
➡️ Not all centres accept subsidy

Families who generally qualify:

• Single parents

• Low/moderate income households

• Newcomers

• Families on OW or EI

• Children’s Services open files

• Apply here: https://secure.toronto.ca/children/subsidy/

9. Prepare for the “Call”

You may be offered a spot with very short notice (sometimes within the final month you need it!).
Be ready to:

• Put down a deposit

• Sign enrollment paperwork

• Provide immunization records

• Provide medications & medical forms

• Review the parent handbook

• Prepare your daycare backpack (see your packing list)
  10. Manage Your Chances Based on Toronto Realities

Your strongest chances are:

• Infant spots opening for siblings at the same centre

• Centres with multiple classrooms

• Home daycares with rolling enrollment

• Transitions (September, January, and June)

• Newer centres still filling up

• Centres that prioritize single parents or CAS-involved families

11. If You Don’t Get In — Don’t Panic

Toronto is competitive. Alternatives include:

• Licensed home daycare agencies

• Unlicensed but reputable home daycares

• Nannies / nanny share

• Parent-led co-ops

• Transitional part-time nursery programs

• Flexible remote work arrangements

• Following up again during seasonal transitions

12. After Getting a Spot — Prepare for Transition

Use your guide’s tips on:

• Practicing separation

• Aligning home routines

• Building self-help skills

• Staggered starts (if available)

• Mental prep for illness season

• Downloading the communication app

• Giving yourself grace
  
  

Summary:

1. Start early (pregnancy is ideal)

2. Understand centre types & quality indicators

3. Build a master list of centres

4. Apply to TELCCS city-run centres

5. Apply individually to many private/non-profit centres

6. Follow up every 3-4 months 

7. Tour centres if applicable & watch for green/red flags

8. Apply for subsidy early if applicable

9. Prepare for an offer at any time

10. Have backup childcare options

Transition smoothly once enrolled - follow guidelines put in place by center.