How to Secure a Childcare Spot in London, Ontario: A Parent’s Guide

London, Ontario is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, attracting young families with its livability, educational opportunities, and affordability compared to other major urban centres. But behind the growth lies a serious challenge for parents: finding a licensed daycare spot.

The Reality of Childcare Availability in London, Ontario

Despite the city’s population boom, the number of licensed childcare spaces is not increasing at the same rate. Why? Opening a daycare in Ontario is not easy. It requires navigating complex bureaucratic requirements, significant upfront investment, and limited access to funding—especially for new programs.

In London, ON alone, there are an estimated 30,000 children between the ages of 0 to 6, but only 9,092 licensed childcare spaces for children aged 0 to 5. Although the government has announced the creation of 2,889 new spaces, the funding is allocated exclusively to non-profit centres—which ironically face even greater difficulty accessing capital to start up. They must secure a location, submit their application, and wait months (or longer) for approval. Often, by the time the decision is made, the available space is no longer on the market.

As a result, only about 3% of children in London, Ontario under the age of 5 currently have access to licensed childcare nearby. It’s a pressing issue for many families.

The Waiting Game

Given this reality, the average wait time for a daycare spot is 2.5 years. Many parents are encouraged to register on the waitlist as soon as they get pregnant.

London is unique in Ontario for having a centralized waitlist system, called OneHSN, where families can apply to multiple centres at once. This centralization is helpful—but also a signal of how desperate the situation has become, prompting the government to intervene.

Exciting News for London Families!

We're thrilled to announce that Orange Seeds Montessori London is opening a new childcare centre in Summer 2025 at 1697 Trafalgar Street, London, Ontario. Our centre will offer programs for toddlers and preschool children aged 12 months to 6 years, rooted in the Montessori pedagogy that fosters independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Come and see us! We look forward to welcoming you and your little ones to our nurturing community.

Tips to Help You Secure a Spot

Despite the challenges, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of finding the right childcare space:

1. Reach Out to Daycares Directly
   Don’t rely solely on the centralized waitlist. Visit the daycares you’re interested in. Talk to the supervisor. Observe the environment. Your intuition will tell you a lot about whether the space feels right for your family.

2. Understand Enrolment Timing
   Some daycares accept children in September, others in May, and some only when spots open up mid-year. If your preferred start date is in March or June, you might not hear back—because most classrooms don’t transition at that time. Be sure to ask when the daycare typically enrols new children.

3. Follow Up Often
   Many families add themselves to several waitlists and then disappear once they find a spot—without notifying other centres. This makes it difficult for providers to know who’s truly interested. If you stay in touch, your application stays top of mind. Providers often have last-minute withdrawals and need to fill spots quickly. Being flexible can open the door.

4. Be Flexible With Start Dates
   If you're open to starting sooner or later than planned—or even temporarily—this can make a big difference. Daycares love working with families who are responsive and proactive.

The Cost of Daycare

Yes, it’s expensive. In some cases, more expensive than university tuition. But here’s the reality: universities receive substantial government support and donor funding. Daycares do not.

When CWELCC (Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care) was first introduced, it provided some financial relief to families and centres. But recent changes have made it difficult for providers to operate within the system, with many grants pulled or frozen. As a result, prices are going up again.

Remember, when you pay for quality childcare, you're investing in:

• Experienced, well-compensated teachers

• A safe, nurturing environment

• A curriculum that fosters independence, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth

The early years are the foundation of lifelong learning. While a child can stay home and start school at four, the developmental gap is real. And it takes time, effort, and resources to catch up.

Research indicates that children who miss out on early education are more likely to experience:

• Academic Struggles: Lower performance in reading, math, and other subjects.

• Increased Need for Special Education: Higher rates of enrollment in remedial programs.

• Socioeconomic Challenges: Reduced employment opportunities and earnings in adulthood.

Early intervention can significantly alter a child's developmental trajectory. Programs that provide support during these formative years have been shown to:

• Improve Academic Outcomes: Children are more likely to graduate high school and pursue higher education.

• Enhance Social Skills: Better peer relationships and emotional regulation.

• Reduce Behavioural Issues: Lower incidences of delinquency and behavioural problems.

An Investment Worth Making

Choosing childcare is one of the most personal and impactful decisions you’ll make as a parent. It’s not just about a safe space—it’s about setting the stage for your child’s confidence, resilience, and curiosity to blossom.

Despite the hurdles, with the right approach and persistence, you can find a space that feels like a second home for your little one.