Possible Disadvantages

Average Weekly Cost

Licensed centre-based child care

·   professional, qualified staff

·   other teachers offer support

·   children of similar age grouped together

·   child-focused environment and program

·   licensed to meet and maintain minimum standards of care

·   possibility of inclusion for children with special needs

·   reliability

·   access to subsidy system in some localities

·   receipts provided 

·   higher child-teacher ratio

·   higher incidence of infectious diseases

·   may be a more expensive child care option

·   fixed operating hours

·   possible long waiting lists especially for subsidized child care

·   “sick child” policies

(3 - 18 months)          $307

Toddler:

(18 - 30 months)        $247

Preschooler:

(2.5 - 5 years)            $167

Kindergarten:

(4 & 5 years)             $128

School Age:

(6 - 10 years+)           $ 79

Licensed agency, home-based child care

·   family atmosphere

·   flexible hours with part-time possibilities

·   consistency and individual attention due to smaller groups

·   approved homes generally available in most neighbourhoods

·   assistance & support services of agency

·   licensed to meet and maintain minimum standards of care

·   possibility of inclusion for children with special needs

·   providers have access to training and equipment

·   access to subsidy system in some localities

·   reduced risk of infection

·   receipts provided

·   may have limited choice in provider selection and locations based on availability of providers according to parent’s expectations and child’s needs

·   possible isolation of caregivers

·   other children are not necessarily of the same ages and/or stages

·   possible long waiting lists especially for subsidized child care

·    “sick child” policies

(6 weeks - 5 years)    $161

Kindergarten:

(4 & 5 years)             $116

School Age:

(6 - 10 years+)           $ 75