Find licensed child care in Wrenford
Child care is a key part of our community's social infrastructure. It helps families balance work and home life, supports local businesses, and gives young children a strong start. Wrenford works with parents, providers, and the licensed child care options to make sure every child has access to safe, quality care.
Zoning and home-based care
If you want to run a small child care business from your home, Wrenford makes the process straightforward. You can care for up to six children under the age of 13 at a time without needing to lease a commercial building. This is called a home-based child care business.
Before you open, you must get a business licence and a location approval from the City. The location approval ensures your home meets basic safety rules for children, including secure outdoor play areas. You will also need to complete a vulnerable sector check through the Wrenford Police Service. The annual business licence fee is $350.00.
Wrenford Child Care Action Plan
The City tracks childcare supply through the 2025 Wrenford Child Care Needs Assessment. The assessment shows that demand is highest for infant, toddler, and school-aged spaces. To close the gap, the City is working with the Wrenford Child Care Action Team to remove barriers for new providers and encourage more family-friendly neighbourhoods. The team meets monthly to review data and share updates with the community.
Support for providers
The City offers financial support to help licensed child care programs grow and stay open. You can apply for grants through the Childcare Grant Program. Funding is split into three streams:
- Operating Support Stream: Covers staff wages and daily supplies (up to $25,000 per year).
- Capital Upgrade Stream: Funds playground upgrades, accessibility improvements, and equipment (up to $50,000 per project).
- Program Development Stream: Supports new initiatives like early literacy or inclusive play spaces (up to $10,000).
Applications for the 2026 grant cycle open on March 2 and close on May 9. You can download the Childcare Grant Application Guide 2026 for step-by-step instructions. If you need help navigating the application, email [email protected].
Financial help for families
If you are struggling to pay for child care, you may qualify for a subsidy. The Child Care Fee Subsidy Program helps cover costs based on your household income and size. You must report any changes to your income or family size within five business days so your benefit amount stays accurate. A Community Support Navigator can help you fill out the intake form at your local recreation centre.
Need more information?
For questions about zoning, location approvals, or provider grants, email [email protected]. For help applying for a family subsidy, contact the Community Support Navigators at your local recreation centre.