How each one is regulated
A centre is licensed directly under Ontario's Child Care and Early Years Act, with set ratios per room and on-site inspections. Licensed home child care is overseen through a licensed agency that visits and supports the home provider, who cares for a small mixed-age group in their own home.
Unlicensed home care also exists and is legal in Ontario within limits, but it is not inspected or agency-supported. This comparison is about the two licensed options, which is what we recommend any family look for first.
Structure, backup, and illness
A centre has multiple educators and rooms, so when one staff member is sick, the centre still opens. A home provider is one person, so if they are ill or on vacation, care may pause unless the agency arranges a backup.
Centres also separate children by age into infant, toddler, and preschool rooms, each with its own ratio and programming. A home setting blends ages, which some children love and which can be wonderful for siblings, but which means less age-specific structure.
Hours, cost, and fit
Home providers can sometimes offer more flexible or longer hours than a centre. Centres usually have fixed hours, like our 7am to 6pm, that cover a standard workday. CWELCC applies to both licensed centres and licensed home care for children under six, so the funding picture is similar.
Fit is the real deciding factor. A baby who settles best in a quiet, home-like setting may do beautifully in licensed home care. A toddler who wants a busy room full of peers and a dedicated outdoor space may do better at a centre. Visit both before deciding.