Who must be licensed
Under the Ontario Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, any programme that cares for more than one child at a time outside of a child's home must hold a licence from the City of Wrenford. This covers home-based programmes and centre-based daycares. Programmes for a child's own children only are exempt.
Types of programmes
Home-based care
Run from a private residence. You can care for up to six children under age 18, including your own. You may employ one staff member who does not live in the home. The outdoor play area must be screened from the street for privacy and safety.
Centre-based care
Run in a dedicated facility. Centre licences cover multiple rooms and higher child-to-staff ratios. You must meet all fire, building, and accessibility standards for the site.
Staffing and ratios
You must maintain approved staff-to-child ratios at all times. A qualified early childhood educator must supervise the room. All staff must have a valid Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening and complete mandatory training in child development, behaviour support, and infection control each year.
Staffing requirements by age group
| Age of children | Maximum children | Minimum staff |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years | 8 | 2 |
| 2 to 5 years | 12 | 2 |
| 6 to 12 years | 16 | 2 |
Health, safety, and space
Your space must be safe, clean, and designed for children. You need:
- Adequate washroom facilities for the number of children enrolled.
- Age-appropriate toys, books, and learning materials.
- A written health and safety plan that covers emergencies, illness, and safe sleep practices.
- Monthly fire drills and a visible evacuation map in every room.
Reporting changes and renewals
You must tell the City about any changes to your programme within 30 days. This includes changes to your staff, your location, your hours of operation, or the number of children enrolled. You will receive a renewal notice 45 days before your licence expires. Submit your renewal application and fee before the deadline to avoid a lapse in your licence.
Licensing fees
Annual fees are set out in the Fees and Charges By-law 2025-151. Fees vary based on the type of programme and the number of spaces approved.
| Programme type | Annual fee |
|---|---|
| Home-based care | $175.00 |
| Centre-based care (up to 30 spaces) | $1,200.00 |
| Centre-based care (31 to 60 spaces) | $2,100.00 |
Fees are due on your licence start date. If you need help with payment, contact the Licensing Office.
Support and resources
The City runs the Wrenford Child Care Action Team to help operators navigate rules, share best practices, and connect with local providers. We also offer the Wrenford Early Learners brand for programmes that meet our early learning standards.
For questions about licensing, ratios, or health and safety, email the Licensing Team at [email protected] or call 519-555-0140.