Why Some Toronto Parents Are Still Paying Full Daycare Fees While Others Pay $10 a Day

Affordable childcare has been a long-standing concern for Canadian parents. With the federal government’s $10-a-day daycare plan rolling out across most provinces, many families have finally found relief from the burden of high childcare costs. However, in Toronto, some parents are still paying full fees, raising questions about accessibility, policy implementation, and the future of affordable daycare in Canada.

According to a Toronto Star report, while most provinces have successfully reduced daycare costs, Toronto parents are facing challenges due to limited spaces, funding gaps, and regulatory delays. In this article, we explore why some families are benefiting from $10-a-day daycare while others continue to pay full fees—and what this means for parents navigating the system.

1. The $10-a-Day Daycare Plan: What Was Promised?

In 2021, the federal government introduced a nationwide childcare program aimed at reducing daycare costs to an average of $10 per day by 2026. The plan was designed to:

• Make childcare more affordable for working families.
• Support women returning to the workforce.
• Improve early childhood education accessibility.
• Boost economic growth by reducing financial strain on parents.

Each province and territory signed agreements with the federal government to implement the program, leading to significant fee reductions across the country.

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2. Why Are Some Toronto Parents Still Paying Full Fees?

Despite the nationwide success of the $10-a-day daycare initiative, Toronto has faced unique challenges in implementing the program fully. Parents who expected lower costs are finding themselves left out due to several key factors.

Limited Spaces in Approved Daycares

One of the biggest hurdles is the availability of subsidized daycare spots. Many daycare centers in Toronto have reached capacity under the new program, forcing parents to either remain on long waitlists or continue paying full fees at non-participating centers.

Daycares Opting Out of the Program

Not all daycare providers have chosen to join the $10-a-day program. Some private childcare centers argue that the government funding model doesn’t cover their operating costs, making it financially unsustainable for them to participate.

High Operating Costs in Toronto

Compared to other provinces, Toronto’s daycare providers face significantly higher rent, wages, and operational expenses. As a result, the transition to the lower-fee model has been slower, leaving some families in limbo.

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3. The Impact on Toronto Families

For parents still paying full daycare fees, the financial strain is substantial. The cost of childcare in Toronto can range from $1,500 to $2,000 per month per child, making it one of the most expensive cities for families.

Workforce Participation Challenges

Many parents, particularly mothers, are delaying or reducing their work hours because they simply can’t afford childcare. This has long-term implications for career growth and economic stability.

Household Budget Struggles

For families already dealing with rising costs of living, high daycare fees mean making tough financial choices—cutting back on savings, delaying homeownership, or sacrificing other essential expenses.

Unequal Access to Affordable Childcare

The patchwork implementation of the program has created disparities among families. Those lucky enough to secure a subsidized spot are paying significantly less, while others are left searching for alternatives.

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4. What’s Being Done to Fix the Issue?

While the $10-a-day daycare program has been successful in many areas, Toronto’s implementation challenges have prompted calls for further action.

Expanding Spaces in the Program

The Ontario government has announced plans to increase the number of participating daycare centers by providing additional funding and incentives for providers to join the program.

Financial Support for Daycare Operators

To encourage more daycare centers to opt in, policymakers are working on adjusting funding structures to better reflect the high cost of operating in urban centers like Toronto.

Long-Term Plans for Universal Childcare

Experts argue that beyond reducing costs, Canada needs a long-term plan to ensure universal access to quality early childhood education. This includes increased investment in childcare infrastructure, higher wages for educators, and streamlined registration processes.

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5. What Can Parents Do in the Meantime?

For parents still paying full daycare fees, navigating the system can be frustrating. However, there are steps that families can take while waiting for more affordable options to become available.

Apply for Subsidies

Some parents may qualify for additional childcare subsidies through provincial programs. Checking eligibility and applying early can help reduce costs.

Explore Workplace Childcare Benefits

Some employers offer childcare assistance programs or flexible work arrangements that can help offset costs.

Advocate for Change

Joining local parent advocacy groups and contacting government representatives can help push for faster implementation of affordable childcare solutions.

Conclusion: The Future of Childcare in Toronto

While the $10-a-day daycare program has been a game-changer for many families across Canada, Toronto’s parents are still facing significant hurdles. Limited spaces, daycare centers opting out, and high operational costs have delayed full implementation, leaving many families struggling with expensive childcare fees.

As policymakers work to address these challenges, parents must stay informed, explore available resources, and advocate for more equitable access to affordable daycare. The goal of universal childcare is within reach, but ensuring that no family is left behind will require continued effort and investment.

For expert insights on parenting, policy changes, and local issues, Hot Local Spot offers in-depth coverage on the topics that matter most to families.