Information for Operators

Opening a child care

Licensing

The first step in the process of opening a new child care centre is to contact the Ministry of Education directly at 416-325-0656 about a license to operate. All child care centres and home child care agencies are licensed by the Ministry under the Day Nurseries Act.

Fee subsidy contract

Once your program has been licensed, you may be interested in applying for a service contract with the City of Toronto to provide child care to families receiving fee subsidy. Learn more about how to apply for a service contract and the requirements.

If you are a home provider interested in becoming part of the licensed home child care system, please contact one of the 21 home child care agencies that serve the City of Toronto.

Building or renovating

• Toronto's Child Care Design and Technical Guideline
• Planning and Design Guidelines for Child Care Centres - Ministry of Children and Youth Services
• Toronto's Shade Guidelines | Summary
• Licensing implications of renovations/construction to a new child care facility or an existing child care facility.