How to Choose a Daycare: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
June 5, 2026 · 7 min read
Choosing a daycare is one of the first big decisions you'll make as a parent, and it can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it into clear, manageable steps so you can build a shortlist, compare your options confidently, and choose a place where your child will thrive.
1. Start with licensed daycares
Licensing isn't a guarantee of quality, but it sets a baseline: licensed daycares meet provincial requirements for staff-to-child ratios, health and safety, space, and staff qualifications. They're also inspected. Starting your search with licensed programs filters out the riskiest options before you invest time touring.
You can browse licensed daycares by city using official registry data as your starting point, then layer reviews and visits on top.
2. Decide what matters most to your family
Before comparing options, get clear on your non-negotiables. Common priorities include:
- Location — close to home or work, and the commute at drop-off/pickup
- Hours — full day, half day, or before- and after-school care
- Age group — infant, toddler, preschool, or school-age spaces
- Cost and subsidies — fees, and whether reduced-fee programs are available
- Approach — play-based, Montessori, Reggio-inspired, or language immersion
Ranking these helps you compare apples to apples and avoid being swayed by a single shiny feature.
3. Build a shortlist and read reviews
Aim for 4–6 daycares that fit your basics. Read recent parent reviews to spot patterns — consistent praise for communication and staff retention is a great sign, while repeated complaints about turnover or cleanliness are red flags. One bad review isn't decisive; a trend is.
4. Tour in person
Photos and websites only tell you so much. A visit reveals the things that matter day to day: how educators interact with children, whether the space is clean and safe, and the overall energy of the room. Trust your gut — if it feels warm, calm, and engaged, that counts.
Bring a short list of questions (see our tour-questions guide) so you don't forget anything in the moment.
5. Compare, then commit
After your visits, line up your shortlist against your priorities. Factor in the waitlist — popular daycares fill months ahead, so apply early to your top choices even while you decide. When the offer comes, you'll be ready.
FAQ
- How early should I start looking for daycare?
- Start 6–12 months before you need care, especially for infant spaces, which have the longest waitlists. In high-demand cities, even earlier is wise.
- Is a licensed daycare always better than an unlicensed one?
- Licensing guarantees a regulated baseline for safety, ratios, and inspections. Unlicensed care can still be excellent, but it isn't monitored, so you take on more of the vetting yourself.