The following ideas will increase your chance of finding child care and will help to prepare your child(ren) for the upcoming changes.
1. Research child care options in advance
- Start early: As soon as you know you will be relocating, begin your search for child care. Make it a priority to set aside time to reach out to centre-based and/or home-based child care providers. Since each province and territory has different processes for finding child care and getting on waitlists, reach out to one of our Child Care Navigators. They can help you research child care options in your new location and provide support.
Check waitlists: High-demand areas often have waitlists, so inquire about putting your child’s name on the waitlist. - If you haven’t moved to your new community yet but have started looking for child care, ask the MFRC in your new location if you can use their address to register on waitlists for licensed child care facilities and home-based programs in the community. MFRC’s can also help you find information on local child care resources. Additionally, you can reach out to a Child Care Navigator or the Family Information Line.
- Explore online tools: Use provincial/territorial or municipal child care registries, review licensed care provider directories and consult our child care guides for each province and territory. Social media can also be helpful: consider military/community/school/parent Facebook groups, or research online babysitting apps e.g., www.babysits.ca, www.sitly.ca, www.birdiebreak.com.
2. Visit child care facilities
- Schedule tours: If possible, visit child care centres during House Hunting Trips (HHT) or Destination Inspection Trips (DIT) to assess the environment, meet staff, and ask questions. Virtual tours may also be an option if you’re unable to attend in person.
- Ask key questions: Inquire about staff qualifications, daily routines, parent communication, and how they support new children adjusting to care. Also, ask how they support the varying needs of families and children, and family dynamics. Find out more about guiding questions in this helpful tip sheet.
- Look for compatibility: Choose a child care facility that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values.
3. Find and use subsidies and financial support
- Explore provincial/territorial programs: Each province and territory have its own child care subsidy program to reduce cost of child care. Some have financial support for children with special needs. Check eligibility requirements for your new location.
- Assistance through CFMWS: CFMWS offers additional financial supports for child care for eligible military families and military families with special needs (i.e., Summer Camps Program, Special Needs Program).
- Canadian Armed Forces’ relocation directive: This directive provides CAF members and their families with financial assistance for child care costs when relocating in response to operational requirements.
- Tax benefits: Keep records of child care expenses to claim applicable tax deductions or credits. Find out about eligibility.
4. Help your child(ren) adjust
- Read storybooks created for military-connected children: Read books that are created to support children in understanding their unique experience in a military family. You’ll find six wonderful storybooks on our website.
- Establish routines: Consistency helps children feel secure. Keep regular routines for drop-offs, meals, and bedtime.
- Communicate openly: Talk to your child(ren) about the move and what to expect at their new child care program. If possible, show them pictures of the new program, and of the new educators.
- Provide comfort items: Allow your child(ren) to bring a favourite toy or blanket when visiting and starting a new child care program to ease separation anxiety.
- Collaborate with child care providers: Share details about your child(ren)’s preferences, needs, and interests to help staff create a welcoming environment. Consider creating an “All About Me” book with your child(ren) that includes their favourite activities, toys, foods, and ways to be comforted. Research free online resources for inspiration.
- Good to Go! A Guide to Your Military Move: Consult page 132 of this resource for practical information to help your child(ren) through a relocation.
5. If you can’t find child care immediately upon arrival or for the next few months, consider these alternatives:
- Family and friends: Reach out to family members or friends who might be able to help temporarily.
- Nanny or babysitter: Hire a nanny or babysitter for short term care.
- Summer camps: These can be a great child care option in the summer and are often easy to find and affordable. They also provide an opportunity for your child(ren) to connect with others and make new friends.
- Parent co-ops: Join or form a parent co-op where families take turns caring for each other’s children.
- Caregivers in your community: Check community bulletin boards, ask your hairdresser or barber, ask your child(ren)’s sports coach or parents of children on their team, ask your child(ren)’s teacher, connect with your neighbours, inquire at your place of worship. In short, be creative to find babysitting or child care recommendations.
- Flexible work arrangements: Discuss flexible work options with your employer, such as remote work or adjusted hours.
6. Ask for help when you need it
- Reach out for support: For help and support navigating the local child care system, understanding options, and accessing financial support, make an appointment with a Child Care Navigator by filling out this intake form. For broader family and relocation support, contact your local Military Family Resource Centre or the Family Information Line.
- Advocate for your needs: Be transparent about your family' specific needs, be it emotional, developmental or accommodations your children may require.
Disclaimer: This resource was last updated In April 2025. It’s updated on a quarterly basis. If you see information that’s incorrect, please contact CCPO-BPSG@cfmws.com.
