Infant, Toddler & Preschool Daycare in Etobicoke
What your child needs from childcare changes significantly as they grow. A great infant program looks different from a great preschool.
Ontario age categories and ratios
| Age group | Age range | Staff ratio | Max group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant | Birth to 18 months | 1:3 | 10 |
| Toddler | 18 to 30 months | 1:5 | 15 |
| Preschool | 30 months to 6 years | 1:8 | 24 |
These are minimums. Quality programs may maintain lower ratios.
Infant Care (0-18 months)
Infants need responsive, consistent caregivers, safe sleep environments, and low-stimulation calm spaces. Relationship quality matters more than "curriculum."
Scarcity: Hardest to find in Etobicoke. 12-24+ month waitlists.
Toddler Care (18-30 months)
Toddlers need consistent routines, language-rich environments, safe spaces for physical exploration, and patient support for emotional regulation.
More available than infant spaces. Plan transition timing.
Preschool (30 months-6 years)
Preschoolers develop pre-academic foundations, executive function, social competence, and physical confidence. Balance structured learning with play.
Most available. Consider kindergarten readiness.
Tour centres with your child's age in mind
What matters most depends on where they are developmentally.
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