Childcare resources

Finding and enrolling for childcare

Waitlists for all licensed childcare in the Region of Waterloo are managed through OneList.

OneList allows you filter childcare options by criteria, including geography. Pay close attention when registering as some daycares may require additional steps. For example, some require registering through OneList and filling out additional application materials. This information is often communicated via e-mail or is also included on OneList when you register with a specific care provider. Keep an eye out for OneList emails, as you may lose your spot on the waitlist if you do not respond within 48 hours.

The length of waitlists in the Waterloo area can be long (1.5 years +). Your child should be added to waiting lists and registered for childcare as early as possible (e.g., upon confirming a viable pregnancy, as soon as you accept your offer).

Childcare Working Group

This FAUW working group has been tasked providing the FAUW Board with a report on current services and capacity, and recommendations for the future of daycare services, for all members of the University's Waterloo campus community (faculty, staff and students). This work will be completed in the 2024/2025.

  • Nasser Mohieddin Abukhdeir, Chair
  • George Lamont
  • Ana Crisan
  • Heather Love
  • Kate Mercer (LAAUW)
  • Brendan Riggin
  • Mary Robinson
  • Megan Selinger

Types of childcare

There are generally three broad categories of childcare available around the University of Waterloo.

The University of Waterloo does not endorse any of these options. Each family is required to conduct their due diligence and ensure that the care provided is appropriate for their family and needs. These options vary in terms of cost.

Licensed daycare centres

These are most like a school environment. There are often multiple childcare workers in a class and, depending on the age group, there are typically up to 15 children in a classroom. Daycare centres can take children of all ages (infants, toddlers, preschool, and in some cases even older children).  Examples of daycare centres close to campus are:

  • Bright Starts Co-operative Early learning Centre: Located on North campus, provides priority enrollment to children of University of Waterloo faculty, staff, and students. You must contact Bright Starts to provide proof of your affiliation to the University of Waterloo to get priority on the waitlist.
  • Early Childhood Education Centre:Located in the PAS building on the University of Waterloo main campus. Offers part-time care for children 30 months of age or older.
  • Kids and Company, Techtown location: Located in the David Johson Research and Technology Park, on North Campus.

Licensed homecare

These are childcare options provided in the home of a caregiver. There is typically one caregiver, and they can care for up to 6 children under the age of 13. Licensed childcare centres are inspected by the Region of Waterloo. Homecare spaces will vary, typically there are interviews between the caregiver and child’s guardian to ensure a good fit. Examples include:

  • Wee watch: A service that helps to manage a network of homecare providers, including placing children, homecare curricula, etc.
  • Region of Waterloo Homecare: Individual homecare providers can register with the Region and appear on OneList of families to register.

Unlicensed homecare

Like licensed homecare, these are care options provided in the caregiver's home, however, these are not managed or inspected by the Region of Waterloo.  Unlicensed care does not appear on OneList, these are usually found through informal communication networks (e.g., word of mouth, social media, etc.), and can care for a maximum of five children under the age of 13.

In-home care (nannys, au pairs)

These are caregivers that care for a child in your own home. There is typically just one caregiver for your child(ren). Examples include Canadian Nanny.

Costs and other considerations

Many licensed childcare providers, including daycare centres and homecare, are eligible for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Childcare subsidy (CWELCC), which is working toward $10/day childcare across Canada.

Unlicensed and in-home childcare is generally not eligible for CWELCC, making these more expensive options.  Some licensed daycare centres are also private (not subsidized by CWELCC) and will have higher rates.

Costs and availability are also impacted by the age of your child, as there are childcare ratios that are dictated by the government to ensure safety and quality of care.

  • Infants (<18 months): It is often challenging to find spaces for infants due to limited childcare spaces. Spaces for children under one year of age are less common in licensed childcare options. However, spaces for children 12 to18 months are also quite constrained. Costs for infant care are among the highest.
  • Toddlers (18 months to 2.5 years): Generally, there is more space for toddlers. These costs are lower compared to infants.
  • Pre-schoolers (2.5 years to 4 years): Generally, there is more space for preschoolers. However, enrolling a preschooler can also be challenging as these spaces are often filled by toddlers already enrolled in the care centre.

The movement of children from toddler to preschool classes is determined by age and other factors assessed by childcare providers. The year children turn 4 years of age, they can enroll in kindergarten.

Note: There tends to be significant turnover in the fall, as children move into kindergarten. A consequence is that the odds of getting a childcare spot are highest in fall (September/October) and considerably lower at any other time of the year.

Additional resources