Welcome to the Region of Waterloo Child Care Application and Waitlist

The online application for licensed child care

Help shape the future of child care by sharing your feedback on child care and early years services below.

NEW Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Program

Scroll down for more information.

Looking for Before and After school Programs?

Click 2026-2027 School Year to see who operates the program at your school.

Apply for Child Care Programs, Find Information About Subsidy, and More!

Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Program

What is OneList?

How to Apply

Exploring Your Options For Quality Child Care in Waterloo Region

Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Program

On March 28, 2022, Ontario reached a $13.2 billion agreement with the federal government on funding for the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program. The new program will lower child care costs and improve access, and quality across Ontario’s child care and early years sector.

Since the CWELCC announcement there has been a significant increase in the volume of applications to licensed child care programs. Families may experience delays in child care providers response times as they manage processing a large volume of applications. Many licensed child care programs are currently at capacity and some have lengthy waiting lists.

For more information about the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care plan including reductions to parent fees and when rebates can be expected. Please see the Region’s website.

What is OneList?

OneList is where all applications for licensed care in Waterloo Region are submitted. There is also information about how to apply for financial help to pay for child care, as well as information about special needs supports that are available for your child.

This website includes child care centres (also called day care, preschool and nursery school), home child care, and before and after school programs. It does not include private care or unregulated care.

Browse child care options close to work or home – using the map feature.

When you are ready to apply for child care, you will need to create an account

How to Apply

To create an account:

Click on Create an Account
Enter your email address
Use the link received to create a Password

OneList generates a list of child care options for you, based on the criteria you enter.

You can apply to up to 7 centre-based programs and two home child care programs.

You will receive an email from every child care program you apply to, letting you know that they have received your application along with more information and next steps.

Programs will contact you when a space becomes available.

You can go into your account at any time to make changes to your contact information or applications.

Exploring Your Options For Quality Child Care in Waterloo Region

Parent Guide to Finding Quality Child Care

Learn more about your child care options by clicking below:

Licensed child care generally provides a higher quality of care. It follows standards set by the Ministry of Education around health, safety and how children best learn and grow. The Ministry regularly monitors and inspects these programs to ensure they comply.

See common questions to ask a child care provider and reach out to any licensed/regulated child care program to learn more or to arrange a visit.