How Much Is the Cost of Daycare in Toronto?

Finding affordable childcare in Toronto is a top priority for many parents. The cost of daycare in Ontario, especially in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), significantly impacts family budgets. This guide provides an estimated overview of daycare costs in Toronto for 2025, exploring key factors and available government subsidies to help you make informed decisions about childcare options. Remember that childcare costs are constantly changing, so always verify information with official sources for the most up-to-date figures. The cost of living in Toronto is a major factor.

Understanding Toronto's Daycare Landscape:

Several factors influence the cost of daycare in Toronto:

• Type of Care: Centre-based daycare centres generally charge more than home daycare or family child care homes. Centres often provide more structured programs and resources, while home-based options offer a more intimate setting. Family child care homes provide a middle ground. Choosing the right type of child care is crucial.
• Child's Age: Infant care is typically the most expensive, followed by toddler care and then preschool. This reflects the higher staff-to-child ratios and specialized care required for infants. The cost for infant care can be significantly higher.
• Location: Daycare costs vary across different neighbourhoods in the GTA. Areas with higher property values usually have higher fees. The city of Toronto has a wide range of costs.
• Hours of Care: Full-time care is more expensive than part-time care. Extended-day options further increase costs. The number of hours needed impacts the overall cost.
• Licensed vs. Unlicensed: Choosing licensed daycare is crucial for your child's safety and well-being. Licensed facilities adhere to strict provincial regulations. Unlicensed options may seem cheaper but lack the same level of oversight and may not meet the same safety standards. Consider the importance of licensed childcare.

Average Cost of Daycare in Toronto for 2025

As of January 1, 2025, the cost of daycare in Toronto for children under six years old enrolled in programs participating in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system is capped at $22 per day. This fee cap is a significant step towards making childcare more affordable for families in Ontario, representing a significant reduction in daycare fees compared to previous years. The average daily daycare cost in 2025 is estimated to be $19. This reduction in fees is expected to save families nearly $300 million in 2025. 

Here's a breakdown of the average cost of daycare in Toronto for 2025 by age group:

It's important to note that these are average costs for full-time care (6-12 hours per day). Fees for part-time and extended-day care may differ. For example, part-time care for toddlers costs $16.24 per day, while extended-day care (more than 12 hours) remains at $22.

Government Subsidies and Funding for Daycare in Toronto

The CWELCC system is a five-year plan aimed at improving the quality, accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity of childcare in Canada. It's being implemented in stages, with fees reducing annually. While the initial goal was to reach an average of $10 a day childcare by September 2025, this target date has been pushed back to March 2026.

In addition to the CWELCC program, the Ontario government is also introducing a new, cost-based funding approach for childcare operators in the CWELCC program, effective January 1, 2025.  This new model replaces the "revenue replacement approach" used in previous years and aims to address challenges faced by daycare operators, such as those arising from fee reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, the Ontario government has increased funding for Start-up Grants to support the creation of new childcare spaces. In 2024, an additional $75 million was allocated to the program, bringing the total to about $161 million. Another $151 million is earmarked for 2025, resulting in a total investment of $366.5 million for Start-up Grants between 2023 and 2025.

It's worth noting that some private daycare operators have expressed concerns about the new cost-based funding model. Protests have been held to raise awareness about the potential impact of these changes on the operational costs of private daycares.

To learn more about the Child Care Fee Subsidy and its eligibility requirements, you can contact the City of Toronto .

Tips for Finding Affordable Daycare in the GTA

While daycare costs in Toronto can be high, there are ways to find more affordable options:

• Non-profit centers: Non-profit daycare centers often have lower fees than for-profit centers.
• Home-based care: Home-based daycares typically have lower overhead costs, which can result in lower fees for parents.
• Nanny-sharing arrangements: Sharing a nanny with another family can significantly reduce childcare costs.

Finding daycare in Toronto can be extremely competitive, and parents need to be proactive in their search. It's crucial to start your search early, as waitlists can be long, especially for infant care. Consider registering on multiple waitlists to increase your chances of securing a spot. Many parents find themselves needing affordable childcare and securing child care spaces can be a challenge. The cost of living in Toronto is a major factor to consider. The cost of daycare in Ontario varies greatly depending on the type of care chosen.

Childcare.center helps you navigate this process. Our comprehensive directory provides access to a wide range of child care providers in Toronto, streamlining your search for the perfect care arrangement. We understand the challenges of finding the right child care option that works for your family and are committed to supporting you in this important decision. Finding the right care provider can be challenging. We provide resources to help you find affordable child care and understand the child care system in Canada. 

Find the perfect childcare provider in Toronto today! Visit Childcare.center to connect with best child care centers near you.