Our child care programs, summer camp, and forest school are child-centered and inquiry based.
Are spaces available?
This information is location-specific; please contact the centre or submit a registration request form (see Childcare Locations).
Note: submission of a registration request does not guarantee placement. If space is available, families are contacted to respond to their inquiry.
What if there is no space? Is there a waiting list?
If there is no space, families can request to be placed on a waiting list. Families are placed on the waiting list in order of priority (see Waiting List Policy).
Families are contacted if a space available.
What is the registration process?
All enrollment occurs through the childcare administrators at each location. Registration is considered complete when space has been confirmed, the required documents have been submitted, and a payment account has been created.
How much does childcare cost?
Rates are age and location specific. Fees are determined by the child’s chronological age and not their classroom or program in which they are enrolled.
Childcare program fees are provided to each client, displayed at each centre, and available on the website. All childcare programs require a security deposit of $200.00 per family (except for those receiving fee subsidy). The security deposit will be applied to any remaining balance when a child is withdrawn from care.
Some families may qualify for fee subsidy based upon income eligibility.
Some programs are also subsidized by the government under the Canada Wide Early Learning Child Care (CWELCC) System which provides funding for operators to reduce families’ fees. The goal is to achieve an average of $10/day for childcare for children ages 0-6 years* by March 2026.
What is CWELCC?
Upper Canada Child Care is enrolled in The Canada Wide Early Learning Child Care (CWELCC) funding system, which provides financial relief to families through funding to operators aimed at reducing fees. The funding intends to reduce parents’ fees with the goal of achieving an average of $10/day for childcare for children ages 0-6 years by March 2026. Children are eligible for CWELCC fee reductions until the end of the month they turn 6.
Note: Children turning 6 between January 1st or June 30th registered in a CWELCC-enrolled program are eligible until June 30th. Children turning 6 after June 30th are eligible until the end of their birthday month. Once a child is no longer eligible, the funding is no longer available, and the child’s care is assessed fees at the standard school age rate. Contact centre supervisor for more details.
How do I pay my fees?
Fees are processed exclusively through an automated payment system. Upper Canada Child Care does not accept cash or cheque as methods of payment.
Childcare services are paid monthly, in advance of receiving care. Clients may choose to pay the full monthly fee on the first of the month, or in two equal payments on the first and fifteenth of each month. If the due date occurs on a weekend or holiday, payments will be withdrawn on the next business day. Payment types other than pre-authorized debit will be subject to merchant fees as applicable. Accounts not in good standing may be charged additional administrative fees.
Is fee assistance available?
To access childcare financial assistance in Ontario, families can apply for the Ontario Childcare Fee subsidy by calling the regions directly, or visiting their website:
Children’s Services – Simcoe County
Child Care Fee Subsidy | York Region
Child Care Fee Subsidy – City of Toronto
For more information about financial supports for families and children, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/child-care-subsidies.
What are the hours of operation?
Most programs are open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Can I have a tour of the centre?
Yes, tours are arranged with the supervisor.
How will the centre ensure the health and safety of my child?
UCCC follows policies and procedures that maintain safe, clean environments, nutrition, physical exercise and outdoor play, and rest periods.
What happens when a child is sick?
We ask that children remain home when sick. Educators screen children daily for signs and symptoms of illness. If necessary, parents will be called to take their child home.
What if my child has a severe allergy?
In the case of severe allergies causing anaphylaxis, individual plans are developed. Plans are posted in all classrooms and food preparation areas. Educators are trained on each anaphylaxis plan. Agents causing anaphylaxis are prohibited.
What kind of snacks/meals are provided?
We provide healthy, child-friendly, dietician-approved food based on Canada’s Food Guide. See menus.
Can I send food with my child?
We restrict foods brought from home or restaurants in order to protect the children in our programs with life-threatening allergies.
For PA days and summer camp, families must provide lunches that are peanut-free. Other allergens may also be prohibited.
Can our family’s vegetarian diet be accommodated?
We do our best to accommodate all dietary needs.
What qualifications or training do educators have?
Each classroom has a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), or someone otherwise qualified by the Ministry of Education (MEDU) such as Child and Youth Worker (CYW) or Bachelor of Education.
RECEs are regulated by the College of Early Childhood Educators.
Others may have an Early Childhood Assistant certificate or experience in the field of childcare. All staff participate in ongoing training and have Standard First Aid and CPR certification.
Qualified supply staff are employed to deliver the program as needed.
What type of program do you offer, what will my child do?
Our programs are play-based and inspired by children’s interest. Activities and materials are open-ended to build skill, and foster literacy and numeracy. Daily outdoor time is prioritized. We encourage children to make independent choices, express their creativity, and play cooperatively.
How much time is spent outside? What if the weather is 'bad'?
Our full-day programs will play outdoors for approximately two hours a day, while our before and after school programs will spend a half hour per day outdoors. As long as weather conditions are safe and children are dressed appropriately, groups go outside.
How does UCCC consider equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion in programs?
We celebrate diversity which enriches the learning environment and experiences in our childcare programs. We seek to prevent, identify, and remove barriers to participation.
May families participate in the program?
Families are encouraged use our online app (Storypark) to observe and interact with their child’s program.
Pick-up and drop-off are ideal times to observe and engage in activities with your child. Please inquire about other opportunities to participate.
Other Resources
Program Information
Check out our Program Statement, Family Handbook, links to fee assistance, and other information
FAQs
Here are some common questions we receive. If you don't find the answers you're looking for, please contact us.