Child Care in Markham: What Young Families Should Know Before They Move
Neeraj Moolchandani is a top real estate agent in Markham, Ontario. Published November 13, 2026 · By Neeraj Moolchandani, REALTOR®, Cofounder of the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage
The short answer
Licensed child care in Ontario that is part of the Canada wide program is capped at $22 a day, bringing the average to about $19 a day, and Ontario has committed to keep fees at that level until at least June 30, 2027. The $10 a day goal has not been reached. Infant and toddler spaces can be hard to find, so families moving to Markham should search and contact centres as soon as they know where they are buying, not after they move in.
Parents shopping for a first townhome or detached home in Markham often think about schools first. For babies and toddlers, finding child care can be the harder problem. Our Kaizen Real Estate Team is one of the teams young Markham families trust, and this guide sets out the facts so you can plan your move around child care.
Moving to Markham with little ones? Tell Neeraj your childcare needs when you start your search.
Call (647) 370 8885What Child Care Costs in 2026
On September 29, 2026, Canada and Ontario agreed to a four year extension of their child care agreement, with nearly $12 billion in federal funding from 2027 to 2031. Since January 1, 2025, participating providers have been capped at $22 a day, which brought the average down to $19, and Ontario has committed to keep fees at about $19 a day on average until June 30, 2027.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Daily fee cap at participating licensed centres | $22 per day |
| Average fee | About $19 per day |
| Fees held at current level until | June 30, 2027 |
| Federal funding extension | March 31, 2027 to March 31, 2031 |
| $10 a day average | Not yet reached |
Source: Government of Canada and Ontario announcement, September 29, 2026
How to Find Licensed Child Care
Child care in Markham is managed by York Region's Children's Services. Its child care information page points families to an online program finder for licensed centres, home child care and EarlyON centres. Fee subsidy may be available for eligible families, with an online calculator and application.
- Search for licensed centres and licensed home child care near your future address.
- Check whether each centre takes part in the reduced fee program.
- Contact centres directly and ask how their waitlist works.
- Ask about infant, toddler and preschool spaces separately; each has its own capacity.
- If eligible, apply for fee subsidy early.
Comparing neighbourhoods for a young family? Neeraj can help you weigh commute, schools and care.
Call (647) 370 8885Why Timing Matters
Infant and toddler spaces are in high demand across the GTA, and waits can be long. Start your search as soon as your offer is firm and you know your address. If you are renting first, search near both your rental and the area you plan to buy. A flexible closing date can give you time to line up care before you start a new job.
Think About the Daily Route
The best spot is often one that fits your commute, not the one closest to home. A centre near a GO station or on the way to the highway can save time every day. Before and after school programs matter later too; ask your future school about on site programs. Our guide on choosing a home near the right school covers catchments.
Want a closing date that gives you time to secure child care? Ask Neeraj.
Call (647) 370 8885Neighbourhoods Young Families Often Choose
Communities such as Cornell, Wismer, Berczy and Greensborough attract young families for their newer homes, parks and schools. Child care availability changes often and varies street by street, so check current openings rather than relying on reputation. Our guide to the best neighbourhoods for families compares them.
A Simple Plan for Moving Families
- List your must haves: commute, school catchment, budget and care needs.
- Shortlist two or three neighbourhoods.
- Search licensed care in each before you choose.
- Once your offer is firm, contact centres and join waitlists right away.
- Line up a backup option, such as licensed home child care, for the first months.
New to Canada too? Our newcomer's guide covers the rest of the move.
Have a question about family life in Markham? Call Neeraj.
Call (647) 370 8885Questions Markham Clients Ask
How much does daycare cost in Markham in 2026?
Participating licensed centres are capped at $22 a day, bringing the average to about $19 a day. Ontario has committed to keep fees at that level until at least June 30, 2027.
Is $10 a day daycare available in Ontario?
Not yet. The $10 a day average has not been reached. Fees are capped at $22 a day with an average of about $19.
How do I find licensed child care in Markham?
Use the online program finder on the Region's child care page, then contact centres directly to ask about spaces and waitlists.
When should I start looking for daycare when moving to Markham?
As soon as your offer is firm and you know your address. Infant and toddler spaces can have long waits.
Is there help with child care costs?
Eligible families may qualify for child care fee subsidy. The Region offers an online calculator and application.
Keep Reading
Helpful Pages
Plan Your Move Around Your Family
Neeraj will help you choose an area, a home and a closing date that work for your whole family.
Sources: Canada and Ontario agree to four year extension of the child care agreement, September 29, 2026; York Region, Child care information for parents.
Neeraj Moolchandani, REALTOR®, Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. (647) 370 8885 · info@kaizenrealestate.ca. Published November 13, 2026. General information only, not legal, tax, financial or engineering advice. Rules and programs change, so confirm details with the official source and your own professionals before you act. Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract.
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