Define the care you actually need
List the child's age, required days and actual work and travel times. Young children may need full-day care; school-age children may need before- or after-school programs. Include professional-development days, holidays and closures. An affordable place is not workable if its opening hours cannot cover the family's real schedule.
Understand care arrangements
Care may operate in centres or a provider's home. Licensing and supervision depend on provincial rules and the arrangement. Ask about authorization, inspections, staffing and accepted ages. Legally exempt care should not be assumed to receive the same oversight as a licensed centre. Visit when possible and discuss safety, meals, rest, pickup and communication procedures.
Search and manage waitlists
Search once the intended neighbourhood is known. Ask how waitlists work, when records need updating and whether a holding charge applies. A waitlist acknowledgement is not an offered place. Track several providers and response deadlines. Before abandoning backup care, obtain written confirmation of the start date, schedule and fees.
Read the agreement and full cost
Review payment dates, deposits, meals, supplies, late pickup charges and absence policies. Confirm charges during holidays or closures and required termination notice. Ask whether a quoted fee already includes a reduction program and which ages qualify. Keep the agreement, receipts and written schedule changes rather than relying on a headline advertised price.
