Toronto - Post Report Question and Answers
Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Available, very expensive, very long waiting lists. - Jun 2018
Yes, yes, expensive. - Apr 2018
. - Nov 2016
I couldn't tell you personally. Anecdotally, I'm told that you don't get large daycares here like you do in the U.S. Most people seem to have a nanny. I've never asked about the cost of one. But compliance with the law when hiring a nanny is important, so don't plan on just paying someone under the table. - Nov 2015
Yes, they are available, but they are expensive. Nannies are an option, but they are also quite expensive: think $15 and up per hour. It's also difficult to find a nanny to trust. We went through a few. So when you find one you like, hire immediately! There are also drop-in centers throughout the city that have circle times and activities for young kids, from newborn right up to elementary age. Most drop-in times are free, so take advantage! - Jul 2015
Junior Kindergarten is generally half day, but it is free in the public system. Large daycare centers, as seen in the DC area, seem to be non-existent, or at least well hidden. Most families hire a nanny/helper if they need childcare. Nannies here are paid well and you will need to go through the legal hoops to hire a person. I don't know anyone who has hired someone "under the table." - Jan 2013
Lots of Preschool and daycare around the city. - May 2010
Plenty of preschools and daycares available, although they are expensive. Full-time is about $1200/month. - Apr 2010
