How do I find daycare and children’s programs in Markham?Start early. Join waitlists for licensed child care as soon as you can, often during pregnancy, because infant and toddler spaces are limited. In Ontario’s Canada-wide program, licensed child care for children under six averages about $19 a day in 2026 and is capped at $22. York Region’s child care fee subsidy can help eligible families with children under 13. Free EarlyON centres offer drop-in programs for children up to age six and their caregivers. For swimming, camps and sports, set up a City of Markham recreation account before registration opens, since popular programs fill quickly.
Becoming a parent in Markham comes with a long to-do list: daycare waitlists, preschool tours, swimming lessons and, before long, sports and camps. The system makes sense once you know the order.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, encourages young families to check daycare options near each home on their shortlist, because a short drop-off can make the busiest years of family life much easier.
Child care options at a glance
| Option | Ages | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed child care centre | Infants to school age | Inspected by the province; many take part in the Canada-wide program |
| Licensed home child care | Infants to school age | Care in a provider’s home, supervised by a licensed agency |
| Private preschool or Montessori | Usually toddlers to kindergarten | Check whether the program is licensed and its fees |
| Full-day kindergarten | Junior and senior kindergarten | Offered free by public and Catholic school boards |
| Before- and after-school programs | School-age children | Often run in or near schools; register early |
| EarlyON Child and Family Centres | Up to age 6, with a caregiver | Free drop-in programs, not full-time care |
What child care costs in 2026
Licensed centres and home child care agencies that take part in the Canada-wide early learning and child care program charge reduced fees for children under six. In Ontario, fees average about $19 a day in 2026 and are capped at $22 a day, or roughly $400 to $480 a month for full-time care.
The original $10-a-day target has not been reached. On September 29, 2026, the federal and provincial governments announced an extension of the program to March 31, 2031, with current fees held through at least June 30, 2027. Programs outside the system, including many private preschools, set their own fees.
Getting a space
- Search licensed options near your home and work using Ontario’s licensed child care search and York Region’s information for parents.
- Join several waitlists. Infant and toddler spaces are the hardest to find.
- Tour programs and ask about ratios, staff training, meals, outdoor time and daily routines.
- Check licensing. For private and Montessori programs, ask whether the program is licensed and inspected.
- Plan for the gap between parental leave and your start date, in case a space opens later than hoped.
Buying a home for your growing family?
Michael John Lau can help you find homes close to daycare, schools, parks and community centres that fit your routine.
Book a family buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Questions to ask on a daycare tour
- What are the staff-to-child ratios for my child’s age group, and how long have staff been with the centre?
- What does a typical day look like, including outdoor time, naps and meals?
- How do you communicate with parents during the day?
- What is your policy on illness, closures and holidays?
- Are you part of the Canada-wide program, and what will my monthly fee be?
- How do you support children with allergies or additional needs?
Trust what you see. A calm room, engaged staff and children who seem comfortable tell you a lot.
York Region child care fee subsidy
York Region’s fee subsidy helps eligible families pay for licensed child care for children under 13. To qualify, families must live in York Region, file income tax returns every year, meet income limits based on family size (from $43,000 for a family of two), and need care for work, school or training, or other approved reasons.
- Use the Region’s online fee subsidy calculator to check eligibility.
- Apply through the Children’s Services Portal and upload your Notice of Assessment.
- Call the KIDS Line at 1-888-703-KIDS (5437) with questions.
Swimming, sports and youth programs
The City of Markham runs swimming lessons, skating, camps, sports and arts programs at its community centres. Popular programs often fill within hours of registration opening, so set up your online recreation account in advance and note the registration dates in the City’s program guide. York Region offers recreation subsidies for eligible low-income families.
Community sports leagues for soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball and more run through local clubs, many using City fields and arenas. For the best facilities, see Markham’s best community centres and arenas. For summer, see the parent’s guide to summer camps in Markham.
Planning for kindergarten and beyond
Public and Catholic school boards in Ontario offer free full-day kindergarten, starting with junior kindergarten in the year a child turns four. Registration usually opens in the winter before the school year starts, so watch for dates from the York Region District School Board or the York Catholic District School Board. Confirm which school serves your address before you buy, since boundaries can change. See school boundaries and home values.
Choosing a home with young children in mind
- Daycare and school nearby: check licensed child care, elementary schools and before- and after-school programs close to each home.
- Parks and community centres: a short walk to a playground or pool helps on long days.
- Commute fit: make sure drop-off and pick-up work with both parents’ schedules.
For family-friendly neighbourhoods, see Cornell vs. Berczy vs. Wismer. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
With a little planning, Markham makes the early years with children easier and more connected. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does daycare cost in Markham in 2026?
Licensed child care in Ontario’s Canada-wide program averages about $19 a day in 2026 and is capped at $22 a day for children under six. Programs outside the system set their own fees.
Is $10-a-day child care available in Markham?
Not yet. Ontario has not reached the $10-a-day target. In September 2026, the program was extended to 2031, with current fees held through at least June 30, 2027.
How do I apply for child care subsidy in York Region?
Check eligibility with York Region’s online calculator, then apply through the Children’s Services Portal and upload your Notice of Assessment. The KIDS Line is 1-888-703-5437.
When should I put my child on a daycare waitlist?
As early as possible, often during pregnancy. Infant and toddler spaces are limited, so joining several waitlists improves your chances.
What are EarlyON centres?
EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free drop-in programs for children up to age six and their parents or caregivers. They are not full-time child care.
How do I register for City of Markham programs?
Create an online recreation account with the City of Markham in advance, then register when programs open. Popular programs such as swimming lessons fill quickly.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Sources include York Region Children’s Services (child care fee subsidy) and public reporting on Ontario’s Canada-wide early learning and child care program, including the extension announced September 29, 2026. Check with York Region and each provider for current fees and availability. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
