Chapter 6

Childcare and kindergarten in London

Last reviewed October 30, 2026

For families with young children, childcare often matters as much as schools when choosing a home, and it can take longer to arrange. Here's how licensed childcare, early years programs and kindergarten work in London.

Licensed childcare

Licensed childcare in Ontario includes centre-based care and licensed home childcare agencies. In London, the City of London manages the local childcare and early years system, including a centralized childcare waitlist and fee subsidies for eligible families. Check the City's website for how to register.

Reduced fees

Ontario participates in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system. Participating licensed providers have reduced fees for children under six. The province has said it is working toward an average of $10 a day but has not reached it: its published cap on reduced fees was $22 a day as of 2025, and reports in early 2026 put the provincial average well above $10. Fee arrangements after the original federal-provincial agreement's March 2026 end date should be confirmed with the City or provider. Not every provider participates, so ask. See Ontario's child care page.

Waitlists

Demand for licensed spaces, especially for infants and toddlers, has outpaced supply across Ontario. Practical tips:

• Join the centralized waitlist as early as possible, even before you move or before your baby is born.
• List several centres near both home and work.
• Ask centres directly about expected wait times.
• Consider licensed home childcare as well as centres.

Before- and after-school programs

Many London elementary schools host before- and after-school programs, often run by licensed operators on school premises. Spaces can be limited, so if you'll need care, ask about it when you look up your designated school, and register early.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

EarlyON centres offer free drop-in programs for children from birth to age six and their parents or caregivers, including play-based learning, parenting resources and a chance to meet other families. They're a great way to settle into a new neighbourhood. The City of London and Ontario's websites list locations.

Kindergarten

Ontario offers full-day kindergarten in two years:

• Junior Kindergarten (JK): children can start in September of the year they turn four by December 31.
• Senior Kindergarten (SK): the following year.

Kindergarten registration usually opens in the winter before the September start. Register with the board for your designated school. You'll typically need proof of address, proof of age and immunization records. If you're moving, register once you have a firm closing date.

Choosing a home with childcare in mind

• Is there a licensed centre or before- and after-school program within easy reach?
• How far is the designated elementary school, and is it walkable?
• How does the commute work with daycare drop-off and pick-up?
• Are there parks, libraries and an EarlyON centre nearby?

Health and early development

London is home to the Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. The Middlesex-London Health Unit provides public health programs for families, including immunization information. If your child needs early intervention, such as speech and language services, contact local providers early, because waitlists can be regional.

A timeline for families with young children

If you're moving from elsewhere in Ontario, ask your current provider whether they can share records or recommendations, and bring immunization records with you.