Why Infant Licensing Requirements Are Stricter
Infants (typically 0 to 18 months) require the highest level of individual attention. Provincial and state regulations reflect this by mandating lower staff-to-child ratios, specialized training, and additional safety requirements that don't apply to older age groups.
If a facility accepts infants without a licence, there is no guarantee they meet any of these standards.
Staff-to-Infant Ratios by Province
Every province sets a maximum number of infants per qualified educator:
| Province | Ratio | Maximum Group Size |
|----------|-------|--------------------|
| Ontario | 1:3 | 10 |
| British Columbia | 1:4 | 12 |
| Alberta | 1:3 | 6 |
| Quebec (CPE) | 1:5 | 15 |
| New Brunswick | 1:3 | 9 |
| Nova Scotia | 1:4 | 12 |
| Manitoba | 1:3 | 12 |
These ratios are non-negotiable. During a tour, count the number of infants and staff in the room. If the ratio looks off, ask about it directly.
What to Ask About Infant-Specific Licensing
When touring a licensed infant daycare, ask these questions:
- "What is your current infant room ratio, and how do you cover breaks and sick days?" — Good centres have a coverage plan that maintains ratios even when a staff member is absent.
- "What infant-specific certifications do your educators hold?" — Look for Early Childhood Education (ECE) credentials with an infant specialization, plus current infant CPR and first aid.
- "How do you handle feeding — breast milk, formula, solids?" — Licensed programs must follow safe storage and warming procedures for breast milk. Ask about labeling, fridge access, and whether they accommodate specific formulas.
- "What is your safe sleep policy?" — Educators should describe individual cribs, firm mattresses, back-to-sleep positioning, and visual monitoring schedules.
- "Can I see your most recent inspection report?" — Any licensed centre should be willing to show this. If they hesitate, that's a warning sign.
CWELCC for Infants
For Ontario families, the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program caps fees at $10/day for licensed spaces. Infant rooms are the most expensive age group without CWELCC, often costing $1,800-$2,200/month.
If a centre participates in CWELCC, infant fees are reduced significantly. On DaycareLocator, CWELCC participants are clearly labeled so you can filter for them.
Not all licensed centres participate in CWELCC. Participation is voluntary, and some private operators have chosen not to enroll. Check the listing or ask directly.
How to Find Licensed Infant Daycare Near You
- Search by age group — On DaycareLocator, filter by "Infant" to see only centres that accept children under 18 months.
- Check the licence — Every listing shows whether the centre has a verified licence number. Centres with licence data display a Licensed badge.
- Read reviews from infant parents — Google reviews often mention infant-specific experiences like communication, nap handling, and transition support.
- Compare capacity — Smaller infant rooms (6-10 children) often provide more individualized attention than larger ones.
- Join waitlists early — Infant spaces are the scarcest. Many families sign up during pregnancy.
[Find licensed infant daycares near you →](https://www.daycarelocator.com/en/infant-daycare-near-me)