INTRODUCTION TO CANADA

Child Day Care

The law states that no children under 12 years of age can be left at home alone. However, parents often need someone to take care of their children when they go to work or school. A variety of infant, pre-school and school age child care programs are available for children from 12 weeks to 12 years of age.

The government regulates official day care businesses. Day cares must have licences and staff who are certified to care for children. Parents with a low income may be eligible for a government day care subsidy, which means the government pays part of the fee and the parents pay the rest.

Some family day cares are not licensed. They set their own price rates. Parents who use these services are not eligible for government subsidies.