Toddler daycare in Victoria, BC is licensed group child care for children under 36 months,
regulated by Island Health under BC’s Community Care and Assisted Living Act. Licensed
programs follow strict staff-to-child ratios, require qualified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs),
and may qualify for provincial fee reductions. Start your search early, as waitlists in Greater
Victoria are often long.
Finding quality toddler daycare in Victoria, BC can feel overwhelming. Between waitlists,
licensing terms, and fee programs, parents need clear answers. This guide explains what to
look for, what it costs, and how to secure a spot.
What Is Licensed Toddler Daycare in Victoria?
Toddler daycare is a licensed child care service for Preschool roughly 12 to 36 months old. In BC,
this falls under the licence category “Group Child Care (Under 36 Months).” Many centres in
Victoria also offer infant toddler daycare, caring for babies and toddlers in separate or
combined rooms.
Island Health’s Community Care Facilities Licensing team has inspected and approved a
licensed program. This means the centre meets health, safety, programming, and staffing
standards. Unlicensed care, such as informal home arrangements, does not carry these
protections.
Why Choose Licensed Group Child Care Under 36 Months in
Victoria?
Licensed group child care under 36 months in Victoria offers several advantages:
● Regular inspections of the facility, food handling, and safety practices
● Qualified staff, with Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) leading programs
● Low child-to-staff ratios, which allow more individual attention
● Developmental programming that supports language, motor skills, and social growth
● Access to provincial funding, since only licensed providers can offer fee reductions
and $ 10-a-day spaces
Staff-to-Child Ratios for Toddlers in BC
Under the BC Child Care Licensing Regulation, group care for children under 36 months
generally allows a maximum of 12 children per group, with a staff ratio of about 1 educator to
4 children. Smaller groups mean toddlers get more responsive care, which matters at this age.
Ask any centre you visit how they apply these ratios during naps, outdoor play, and early or late
hours.
Daycare for 2-Year-Olds in Victoria: What to Expect
Parents searching for daycare for 2-year-olds in Victoria usually want a mix of play, routine,
and early learning. A quality program typically includes:
● Play-based learning: sensory play, building, art, music, and storytelling
● Daily routines: meals, snacks, naps, and diapering or potty learning
● Outdoor time: Victoria’s mild climate allows year-round outdoor play
● Language development: songs, books, and conversation with caregivers
● Social skills: sharing, turn-taking, and managing big emotions
At age two, toddlers are developing independence quickly. The best programs gently support
this with patient, consistent guidance rather than rigid rules.
How Much Does Toddler Daycare Cost in Victoria, BC?
Costs vary by centre, but BC offers programs to reduce them for licensed care:
● ChildCareBC $10 a Day sites: Participating licensed centres charge a flat fee of $10
per day per child.
● Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative: Eligible licensed providers lower monthly fees for
families, with larger reductions for children under 36 months.
● Affordable Child Care Benefit: Income-tested support that may further reduce costs.
Eligibility depends on the provider and your family’s situation, so ask each centre whether they
participate. Check the official ChildCareBC website for current amounts before you apply.https://freedomchildcare.ca/fees/
How to Find Toddler Daycare in Victoria, BC
Follow these steps to search efficiently:
- Join waitlists early. Many parents register during pregnancy or as soon as the child is
born. - Use official search tools. The Province of BC’s child care map and the local Child Care
Resource and Referral (CCRR) service help you find licensed options. - Search by neighbourhood. Consider areas near your home or work, such as James
Bay, Fairfield, Fernwood, Vic West, Oak Bay, Saanich, and Esquimalt. - Book tours. Visit at least three centres to compare.
- Check licensing status. Confirm the licence type and review any public inspection
information through Island Health.
What to Look for When Touring a Centre
Use this checklist during your visit:
● Is the licence for Group Child Care (Under 36 Months)?
● Are ECEs on staff, and how long have educators worked there?
● How do caregivers handle separation anxiety and settling in?
● What do daily schedules look like for naps, meals, and outdoor play?
● Is the space clean, bright, and safe, with age-appropriate toys?
● How does the centre communicate with parents (daily reports, app, meetings)?
● What is the sick-child and emergency policy?
Trust your instincts. Warm, attentive caregivers matter more than fancy equipment.
About Infant Toddler Daycare in Victoria
If you need infant toddler daycare in Victoria, ask whether the centre has a transition process
from the infant room to the toddler room, whether your child will keep the same primary
caregiver, and how long families usually wait for a space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age does toddler daycare start in Victoria, BC?
Toddler programs typically serve children around 12 to 36 months. Infant programs usually
begin at about 6 months, depending on the centre.
Is licensed daycare safer than unlicensed care?
Licensed centres are inspected and must meet provincial standards for staffing, health, safety,
and programming. Unlicensed care is not held to the same requirements.
How early should I join a daycare waitlist in Victoria?
As early as possible. Many families join during pregnancy or in the first months after birth,
because demand for under-36-month spaces is high.
What is the staff ratio for toddlers in BC?
In licensed group child care under 36 months, the usual ratio is one educator to four children,
with a maximum group size of 12.
Can I get financial help for toddler daycare in Victoria?
Yes. Licensed providers may take part in $10 a Day programs, fee reductions, and the
Affordable Child Care Benefit. Eligibility varies, so confirm with the provider and ChildCareBC.
