PMFRC Day Care and Waitlist

Frequently Asked Questions about the PMFRC Child Care Waitlist

• General Waitlist Questions
  How do I add my child to the waitlist? You are able to complete a waitlist application form that is found on the PMFRC website or contact our accounts receivable clerk/Children’s Services Assistant at Waitlist@PetawawaMFRC.com or  613-687-1641 ext. 2224.  
  
  Is there a separate waitlist for the new PMFRC building on the North Side of Garrison Petawawa? No, there is one waitlist for all PMFRC Children’s Services Programs.  
  
  Is there a fee to join the waitlist? There is no fee to be placed on the waitlist.  
  
  What information do I need to provide to join the waitlist? You will need to complete the waitlist form which incldues parent or guardian first and last name, email address, and telephone number, child’s first and last name, and date of birth and your requested start date.  
  
  How long is the typical wait for a space? There is no set timeframe, however there is only typically movement during posting season from mid to end summer, and again in September due to the nature of our community. The current potential wait time is an average of 18 months to two years.  
  
  How will I know where my child is on the waitlist? You can contact the PMFRC at any time to find out where your child is on the waitlist either by email or phone at Waitlist@PetawawaMFRC.com or 613-687-1641 ext. 2224. 
• Priority & Placement
  How are spaces offered when they become available? The waitlist operates on a first-come, first-served basis.  Families are sent an email and a follow up phone call to inform them when a child care space has become available.
  
  Do some families receive priority on the waitlist? Yes, there is a priority list of siblings of children who are already enrolled in one of our childcare programs as well as children transferring from one program to another.
  
  Is the waitlist first-come, first-served? Yes.
  
  Does my child’s age affect when they may be offered a space? Yes. Your child may be given a certain position on the toddler waitlist, as children are placed into age groups. As your child grows and reaches the age for the next group, they may move to the preschool waitlist. When this happens, they do not move to the bottom of the list—their placement is aligned with the date they were first added to the waitlist. However, their position number may change from the one you were originally given.
• Timing & Availability
  When do spaces usually become available? Mid to end of summer and September.  
  
  Can I request a specific start date? Yes, however there is no guarantee of the date requested matching the availability date of a space opening.
  
  Will I be contacted before a space opens if one might be coming up soon? Yes, and throughout the year the list is reviewed to ensure families still require care or if they need to be removed from the list.   
• When a Space Becomes Available
  How will you contact me if a space becomes available? You will be contacted by email and phone.
  
  How much time will I have to accept or decline a space? You will have 48 hours.
  
  What happens if I decline a space when it’s offered? You will be removed from the waitlist, or you can request to remain on the waitlist, however you will be moved to the bottom of the of the list.  
• After Acceptance
  What steps do I need to complete once a space is offered? After accepting a space, it will be held for two weeks.  A non-refundable registration fee of $30.00 for children over 6 years and $14.18 for those under 6 is required. This fee rate was accurate as of March 2026 and may vary due to the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system.
  
  Is there a registration package or orientation? Yes, once the registration fee is paid, the supervisor of the program will reach out to you and provide a registration package and set up an orientation, which includes a tour of the facility.
  
  When will my child be able to start? Once the registration package has been completed, the registration fee has been paid, any required medical documentation has been provided, and a copy of the child’s immunization record has been received, the start date is usually about two weeks after the space has been accepted.
• Updates & Changes
  How do I update my contact information while on the waitlist? Send an email to Waitlist@PetawawaMFRC.com or call 613-687-1641 ext. 2224.
  
  What if my child’s care needs change while we’re waiting? Please reach out to the Accounts Receivable/Children’s Services Assistant and inform them of the change by sending an email to Waitlist@PetawawaMFRC.com or calling 613-687-1641 ext. 2224.
• Practical Questions Parents Often Ask
  Can I visit or tour the centre while on the waitlist? Yes, an arrangement can be made with the program supervisor to have a tour.
  
  Do you offer part-time or flexible care options? There are limited part-time spaces available, and they are only offered if another child/family can complement that space, as an example one child/family attends on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and the other child attends on Tuesday/Thursday.
  
  What age groups do you provide care for? We typically provide care for children aged 18 months to 12 years. We have limited spaces available for children under 18 months. Our new building will include an infant program, which will increase the number of spaces available for younger children.