Daycare Options in London: 10 Licensed Child Care Centers Serving the Forest City

London, Ontario’s sixth-largest city with over 420,000 residents, serves as a regional hub for southwestern Ontario. Home to Western University, Fanshawe College, and a growing technology sector, London attracts young families requiring childcare services. Waitlists for licensed daycare in London typically range from 8 to 14 months, with particular pressure on infant spaces near the city’s major institutions.

London’s Childcare System Overview

The City of London administers childcare services through its Child Care and Early Years division. The city has implemented various strategies to address capacity challenges, including partnerships with schools and community organizations. Despite these efforts, rapid growth in certain areas continues to strain available resources.

10 Licensed Daycare Centers in London

WhileThese facilities maintain full licensing under Ontario regulations and serve various neighborhoods.

1. SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM - VICTORIA PUBLIC SCHOOL

Provides before and after school care for school-age children in London.

2. Forest City YMCA School Age Program

Provides before and after school care for school-age children in London.

3. WEE WATCH ENRICHED HOME CHILD CARE - LONDON EAST

Licensed home child care agency providing personalized care in a home environment.

4. SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM - ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Provides before and after school care for school-age children in London.

5. Dream Weavers Day Care Inc. - O/A Wee Watch Enriched Home Child Care-London West

Licensed home child care agency providing personalized care in a home environment.

6. NORTHBRAE YMCA CHILD CARE

YMCA-operated childcare facility offering quality programs with a focus on healthy child development.

7. Oxford Montessori Academy of London

Montessori-based early childhood education program serving families in London.

8. Tiny Hoppers Early Learning Centre - Summerside

Licensed childcare facility providing quality early learning programs for children in London.

9. ORCHARD PARK NURSERY SCHOOL

Licensed childcare facility providing quality early learning programs for children in London.

10. KIDZONE DAY CARE CENTRE

Licensed childcare facility providing quality early learning programs for children in London.

Navigating London’s Geography

London’s sprawling layout means location significantly impacts daycare choice. The Thames River divides the city, affecting commute patterns. Parents should consider proximity to major routes like Wellington Road, Oxford Street, or Wonderland Road when selecting centers.

Rapid growth in areas like Northwest London and Byron has created localized shortages despite new construction. Established neighborhoods may offer shorter waitlists but require longer commutes for families in newer developments.

University and College Considerations

With Western University and Fanshawe College employing thousands, campus-affiliated centers often have specific eligibility requirements and waitlist priorities. Student parents, faculty, and staff should investigate these options early, as demand typically exceeds supply.

The academic calendar creates unique patterns in London’s childcare market, with September start dates being particularly competitive. Planning around academic schedules is essential for university-affiliated families.

Waitlist Strategies for London Families

London uses a centralized waitlist system for many licensed centers. Parents should register immediately upon confirming pregnancy or adoption plans. The city provides online tools to check waitlist positions and update preferences.

Some centers maintain independent waitlists, particularly those with specific affiliations or unique programming. Casting a wide net across multiple registration systems improves placement chances.

Rural and Suburban Options

London’s amalgamated areas offer additional childcare options. Families willing to commute may find shorter waitlists in areas like Lambeth, Delaware, or Arva. These facilities often provide different experiences, including more outdoor space and smaller group sizes.

Explore all London daycare options at DaycareLocator.com’s London directory.

Financial Considerations

London participates in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program, providing reduced fees at participating centers. The city also offers subsidy programs for eligible families. Parents should inquire about fee structures, as costs vary significantly between age groups and program types.