Step one: Listen
Word of mouth is always a good starting point. If you have friends who already have children in childcare services, ask them how they found their babysitter or daycare centre. Get several points of view so you can make a list of all the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of child care provider.

Step two: Browse the Internet and newspapers
A search on your provincial government’s family services website may turn up a list of regulated childcare services in Toronto ON. You can also find information on their website about financial assistance for child care. Whether regulated or not, home daycares sometimes advertise in newspapers or on community websites providing information on available space.

Step three: Visit
See if it’s possible to visit the daycares or home child care facilities you’re considering. Ask lots of questions and gather information about their policies on the following things:

• Staff training
• Emergency care plans
• Hygiene and cleanliness
• Food and allergies
• Hours of operation
• Accessibility for children with special needs
• Late pick-up policy

Step four: Register
Once you’ve made the rounds of the childcare services available in Toronto ON, it’s time to pick the ones you like best and put your name on their waiting lists. Depending on the situation in your area, it may be a good idea to put your name on several lists. In the meantime, make the most of your pregnancy to get ready and be sure to enjoy every precious minute at home with your baby.