Navigating Child Care Waitlists: A Guide for Families

Understanding waitlists

Waitlists differ depending on where you live and what category they fall under: provincial/territorial and municipal or direct centre. These two categories differ, each having its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to know that regardless of the category, some child care centres charge a fee to be placed on their waitlist. Make sure to inquire about any potential fees when you register.

Key similarities and differences between the two categories of child care waitlists

Provincial/territorial and municipal waitlists

• More equitable access and consistent policies
• There is more oversight of the waitlist process, but it can be slow and result in long wait times
• Less flexibility to adapt to the needs of the community and area
• Face the challenge of having more demand for child care than they can accommodate at any given time

Centre waitlists (waitlists at child care centres)

• More flexible with quicker responses
• Personalized service but varying policies and potential fees
• Less oversight and multiple waitlists to navigate
• Face the challenge of having more demand for child care than they can accommodate at any given time

Waitlist fees 

Waitlist fees are charges that some child care providers ask for when parents or guardians want to place their child(ren) on a waitlist. These fees are typically non-refundable and are used to secure a spot on the list, ensuring that the child will be considered for a place when one becomes available. Waitlist rules, fees and policies can vary widely depending on the provider and the region. Some provinces/territories have regulations that prohibit fees, while others leave it up to the provider to decide whether to charge fees or not.

• No fee: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Nunavut
• Waitlist fee: Nova Scotia
• Varies by provider policy: Alberta, Manitoba
• No stated policy: Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon

General strategies for navigating child care waitlists 

By following these tips, you can create your own waitlist strategy to increase your chances of securing a spot in a child care program that meets your needs.

• Research providers: Identify licensed child care providers in your area using online registries, government websites, or by contacting a Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services Child Care Navigators.
  
  
• Apply to multiple providers: Add your child(ren)’s name to several child care provider waitlists to increase your chances of securing a spot. Once you’ve secured a spot with one of the providers, please remember to remove your child(ren’s) name from the other waitlists to help families get their child(ren) into child care, or at the least, get a clearer idea of wait times.
  
  
• Stay positive: Don’t be discouraged by the number of families on a waitlist as many families put their names on multiple lists. Your name can move up more quickly than you would anticipate. 
  
  
• Use a local address: To be able to put your child(ren)’s name on most waitlists, you have to have a local address. If your family has not yet moved to your new location and you therefore don’t have an address, contact the local Military Family Resource Centre to ask if you can use their address. You could also ask friends, family or your military family network if you could use their address.
  
  
• Check back often: Regularly check the status of your application and update your information as needed.
  
  
• Priority lists: Check if the child care provider has a priority list (e.g., military family, child’s diagnosis, Indigenous status, health care worker), which may help lessen the wait time.
  
  
• When you reach the top: The child care provider will contact you when there’s space for your child(ren). You’ll need to respond to them within a specified time and start in the available space within a specific timeframe or you’ll risk losing the spot. 

Strategies for provincial/territorial and municipal waitlists

• Apply online: Use the government’s website to apply.
  
  
• Provide documents: Provide required documents when you register, i.e., proof of residency, employment verification and information that meets priority criteria (created by province/territory/municipality) to move up faster on the list (i.e., military family, child’s diagnosis, Indigenous status, health care worker). 
  
  
• Check regularly: Keep an eye on your application status and update any changes.
  
  
• Follow up: Contact the municipal or provincial/territorial office now and then to ask about your waitlist position.

Strategies for direct centre waitlists

• Contact centres: Call or visit child care centres to ask about their waitlist.
  
  
• Visit in person: If you can, visit the centres to meet the staff and show your interest.
  
  
• Inquire about priority lists: Ask the program if they prioritize specific groups (e.g. military families, Indigenous peoples, single-parents, health care workers)
  
  
• Apply to many: Sign up for waitlists at several centres to increase your chances. Once you’ve secured a spot with one of the providers, please remember to remove your child(ren’s) name from the other waitlists to help families get their child(ren) into child care, or at the least, get a clearer idea of wait times.
  
  
• Stay in touch: Keep in regular contact with the centres to show you’re still interested.
  
  
• What if I get a spot? If your child(ren) gets a spot but it’s not your preferred child care option, you can decide to stay on the other lists to keep your options open for your preferred spot. However, if you choose to do so, remember that other families are on the waitlists and removing your child(ren) will help other families get their child(ren) into child care, or at the least, get a clearer idea of wait times. 

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.