Why Licensing Matters
Choosing a daycare is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. A government licence means the facility has been inspected and approved for staff-to-child ratios, health and safety standards, staff qualifications, and program quality.
Unlicensed care — sometimes marketed as "private" or "home-based" — operates outside government oversight. That doesn't automatically mean it's unsafe, but it does mean there is no third-party accountability for the environment your child spends their day in.
What a Daycare Licence Actually Covers
Every Canadian province requires licensed child care providers to meet standards in these areas:
- Staff-to-child ratios — e.g., Ontario mandates 1 educator for every 3 infants.
- Staff qualifications — Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) or equivalent credentials.
- Health and safety — Fire inspections, food handling, medication storage, outdoor play standards.
- Programming — A curriculum framework that supports development (e.g., Ontario's How Does Learning Happen?).
- Record-keeping — Attendance, incident reports, immunization records.
How to Check by Province
Ontario
The Ministry of Education publishes a searchable registry of all licensed child care centres. You can verify any Ontario daycare on the [Licensed Child Care Search](https://www.ontario.ca/page/licensed-child-care) page. Look for the licence number, licensed capacity, and the licensee's name.
British Columbia
BC's Ministry of Children and Family Development maintains a [Child Care Map](https://www.gov.bc.ca/childcare) with licence status, vacancy data, and facility type.
Alberta
Alberta Children's Services publishes inspection results alongside licence details. Search the [Alberta child care lookup](https://www.alberta.ca/child-care) for program ID, inspection dates, and any non-compliance findings.
Quebec
The Ministère de la Famille regulates both Centres de la petite enfance (CPEs) and garderies. Search their [official directory](https://www.mfa.gouv.qc.ca/) for permit numbers.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick's Department of Education and Early Childhood Development lists all licensed facilities with licence numbers and facility type at their [ELCC portal](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/education/elcc.html).
Other Provinces
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland, and the territories each have their own licensing body. In every case, the licence is a public record — you have the right to ask for and verify it.
What to Look For on a Licence Certificate
When you tour a daycare, ask to see the licence posted on the wall. Check:
- Licence status — Should say "Active" or "Valid." If it says "Provisional" or "Conditional," ask why.
2. Licensed capacity — The maximum number of children allowed. If the daycare seems more crowded, that's a red flag.
3. Age groups — The licence specifies which age groups the facility is approved for.
4. Expiry date — Licences must be renewed periodically. An expired licence means the facility is technically unlicensed.
5. Licensee name — This is the person or organization legally responsible for the facility.
What Inspection Records Tell You
Most provinces publish inspection results online. When reviewing them:
- Frequency — Inspections should happen at least annually. More frequent inspections may indicate previous issues.
- Non-compliance findings — Minor issues (a missing fire extinguisher sign) vs. serious ones (ratio violations, unsafe conditions).
- Corrective actions — Were issues resolved promptly?
- Enforcement actions — Orders, suspensions, or revocations are serious.
Red Flags to Watch For
- The facility cannot produce a current licence when asked.
- The posted capacity doesn't match what you see during your tour.
- Staff cannot tell you their ECE credentials or certification numbers.
- The provider discourages you from checking with the licensing body.
- The facility is not listed in the province's public registry.
Verify on DaycareLocator
You can search and verify daycare licensing for over 52,500 centres on DaycareLocator. Every profile shows licence status, licence number (where available), capacity, and links to the relevant provincial licensing body.
[Search licensed daycares on DaycareLocator →](https://www.daycarelocator.com/en/verify-daycare-license)