Parents search for child care constantly: “daycare near me” draws about 110,000 searches a month in Canada and “daycare” about 60,500. Many families join waitlists months before they need a spot, and they choose with their hearts and their heads: safety, staff, program, location and cost. Centres that keep enrolment full make licensing and safety visible, explain fees and funding accurately, and make tours and waitlists easy. This guide covers how.
Licensing and funding, stated accurately
- In Ontario, child care centres and home child care agencies are licensed under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, and unlicensed home child care providers are limited in how many children they can care for. Show your licence and how parents can check it.
- The Canada wide early learning and child care system (CWELCC) has reduced fees at participating licensed centres, with a target of an average of $10 a day. Say whether your centre participates, and explain current fees accurately without promising future fee levels.
- Other provinces have their own licensing and funding programs; describe yours by province.
What parents look for
| Concern | What to show |
|---|---|
| Safety | Licensing, staff qualifications such as RECEs in Ontario, ratios, security and health policies |
| Program | Daily schedule, curriculum approach, outdoor time, meals |
| People | Staff bios and photos, with consent |
| Practicalities | Hours, age groups, location, parking, fees, subsidies |
| Availability | Waitlist process and expected timing, explained honestly |
We combine search, ads and landing pages into lead generation programs measured on real enquiries.
Tours and waitlists
- Online tour booking, including virtual tours for busy parents.
- A clear online waitlist form with the information you need.
- Updates to waitlisted families so they do not feel forgotten.
- Fast follow up when spots open.
Local SEO
Daycare searches are hyper local. Keep your Google Business Profile complete with age groups, hours and photos, build location pages if you have several centres and reply to reviews professionally. Read the Google Business Profile guide.
Children’s privacy
- Never post children’s photos without written parental consent for that specific use.
- Avoid identifying details such as full names.
- Quebec restricts commercial advertising directed at children under 13; market to parents, not children.
Content parents search for
- How to choose a daycare, with a tour checklist.
- Licensed versus unlicensed care explained.
- Fees, CWELCC and subsidies in your province, dated.
- Preparing your child for their first day.
See our education marketing service and private school enrollment marketing.
Frequently asked questions
How do daycares attract more families?
Show licensing and safety clearly, explain fees and funding accurately, make tours and waitlists easy and win local search.
How many people search for daycare in Canada?
In our October 2026 data, daycare near me drew about 110,000 searches a month.
Should daycares mention CWELCC?
Yes, say whether your centre participates and explain current fees accurately.
Who licenses child care in Ontario?
Child care centres and home child care agencies are licensed under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014.
Can daycares post photos of children?
Only with written parental consent for that specific use.
What do parents look for on a daycare website?
Licensing, staff, ratios, program, hours, fees and waitlist information.
Should daycares offer virtual tours?
Yes. They help busy parents shortlist centres.
How should waitlists be managed?
With a clear online form, regular updates and fast follow up when spots open.
Can daycares advertise to children?
Market to parents. Quebec restricts advertising directed at children under 13.
What content helps daycare SEO?
Choosing a daycare, licensed versus unlicensed care, fees and funding, and first day guides.
