Quality Daycare in Markham: 10 Licensed Centers Supporting Working Families

Markham, with over 350,000 residents, stands as Canada’s most diverse city and a major technology hub north of Toronto. The municipality’s rapid growth, driven by the tech sector and new residential developments, creates substantial demand for childcare services. Waitlists in Markham average 12 to 18 months, with acute shortages in areas experiencing rapid development.

Markham’s Childcare Landscape

As part of York Region, Markham benefits from regional coordination of childcare services while maintaining local oversight. The city’s unique demographic profile, with a high percentage of dual-income households and many families with grandparents living abroad, intensifies reliance on formal childcare arrangements.

10 Licensed Daycare Centers Serving Markham

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

1. Wilclay Childcare Centre

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

2. The Village Children’s Programs - Sir Richard W. Scott School Age

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

3. Upper Canada Child Care at Sir Wilfrid Laurier PS

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

4. Little Readers Academy

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

5. Upper Canada Child Care at Cornell Village PS

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

6. YMCA of Greater Toronto - Stonebridge School Age

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

7. 1191238 Ontario Ltd. - Trinity Montessori School

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

8. Rainbows Day Care

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

9. Macklin House KidZone - Coppard Glen

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

10. First Academy Montessori

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

Technology Sector Considerations

Markham’s concentration of technology companies creates unique childcare demands. Many tech employees work flexible hours or remotely, requiring daycare centers that accommodate non-traditional schedules. Some centers have adapted by offering part-time options and drop-in care.

The prevalence of startup companies and international firms means some families face uncertain employment situations or potential relocations. Centers with flexible withdrawal policies may better serve this demographic.

Cultural and Language Diversity

Markham’s exceptional diversity means childcare centers often provide multilingual environments. Many facilities offer programming in Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, and other languages prevalent in the community. Parents seeking specific language exposure should inquire directly about staff capabilities and programming.

Cultural celebrations and dietary accommodations are standard in most Markham centers. Facilities typically accommodate various dietary restrictions and incorporate diverse cultural practices into their curricula.

New Development Areas

Rapid expansion in areas like Future Urban Area and Markham Centre creates localized childcare shortages. New residents in these developments often face longer waitlists as infrastructure catches up with population growth. Parents in new subdivisions should register for waitlists even before construction completion.

Navigating York Region’s System

York Region operates a centralized portal for childcare information and waitlist management. This system allows families to register for multiple centers simultaneously and track their positions. The region provides subsidy programs for eligible families, with applications processed centrally.

View all Markham daycare options at DaycareLocator.com’s Markham directory.

Transportation and Location Factors

Markham’s suburban layout and limited public transit mean most families rely on vehicles for daycare drop-offs. Centers near major arteries like Highway 7, 16th Avenue, or near future subway stations may offer advantages for commuting parents. Some employers in Markham’s business parks are exploring workplace daycare options to address transportation challenges.