How to Find Daycare When Moving to British Columbia

Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions, especially when you’re relocating with young children. Between packing boxes, adjusting to a new job or city, and finding a place to live, the last thing you want is added stress around childcare. Yet for many families relocating to British Columbia, one of the most urgent and overwhelming questions is: how do I find daycare, fast?

If you’re a newcomer to Canada or moving from another province, navigating BC’s childcare system may feel daunting. But with the right guidance, tools, and timing, you can secure licensed, reliable daycare that meets your family’s needs. This guide is here to walk you through the process, reduce the overwhelm, and help you take confident next steps toward finding quality care for your little one.

Why Daycare Planning Matters When Moving to BC

Childcare in BC, especially in urban centres like Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna, is in high demand. Some centres have waitlists that stretch for months, or even years. This makes early planning not just helpful, but essential.

Whether you're looking for full-time care while you work, part-time support as you settle in, or a nurturing environment for your toddler to socialize and learn, securing a spot quickly can ease your transition significantly. It gives you peace of mind knowing your child is in safe hands while you focus on the many other details of your move.

Key reasons to plan daycare early when moving:

Waitlists are common, especially for infants under 18 months
It helps shape your housing search (you may want care near home or work)
Some subsidies or supports take time to apply for and process
Reduces stress once you’ve arrived and need to return to work or school

Understanding the BC Daycare System

Before you begin your search, it helps to understand the types of childcare available in BC and how the system works.

Types of Licensed Childcare in BC

Group Child Care (Under 36 months / 30 months to school age):
- Offered in daycare centres
- Structured programs with trained staff
- Larger group sizes
Family Child Care:
- Provided in a caregiver’s home
- Smaller group settings (up to 7 children)
- Can feel more personal and flexible
Multi-Age Child Care:
- Up to 8 children of varying ages
- Often in homes or small centres
In-Home Multi-Age or Licensed Preschool:
- Offers early learning in shorter sessions (often 2–4 hours/day)
- Preschool programs may run September–June

Licensing and Safety

All licensed childcare in BC follows provincial regulations for safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-adult ratios. This ensures a minimum standard of care and supports child development in safe, stimulating environments.

For more flexibility, some parents also consider Registered Licence-Not-Required (RLNR) care, which includes up to two children (not including the caregiver’s own). This option is legal but less regulated.

Understanding Childcare Subsidies in BC

BC offers financial support to eligible families through the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB). This can help cover daycare costs based on your income and care type.

To qualify:

You must be using a licensed childcare provider
You need to submit income documentation and complete a simple application
Processing time can take several weeks, apply early!

Learn more about eligibility and apply here: Affordable Child Care Benefit

How to Start Your Search

If you're wondering how to find daycare in BC, the best place to start is early. Ideally, begin your search before your move, especially if you're relocating during peak seasons (summer and early fall).

Tips for Starting Your Daycare Search:

Start with your destination in mind. Consider where you’ll be living or working.
Make a list of priorities. For example: infant care vs. toddler programs, proximity to home, hours of operation, language of instruction, or play-based philosophy.
Cast a wide net. Contact several centres, even if you're not sure of your final move-in date.
Ask to be placed on multiple waitlists. Many providers allow this at no cost.

Using Online Tools like BCinfo’s Daycare Search Tool

Finding licensed daycare in a new city or province can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. That’s where BCinfo comes in.

What is BCinfo?

BCinfo.ca is a childcare finder app for BC parents and one of the most reliable resources to find licensed daycare across the province. It's designed specifically to help families like yours compare options, view licensed facilities, and reach out to providers directly.

Why Use the BCinfo Daycare Search Tool?

It offers a comprehensive, user-friendly way to browse licensed childcare options in BC
Lets you search by postal code, city, or type of care
You can filter by age group, open spots, language, and more
Many listings include direct contact info, hours of operation, and program details

It’s a helpful resource built specifically for BC families to simplify the daycare search, especially when you’re short on time or unfamiliar with local options.

Start exploring now: https://bcinfo.ca/daycares

What to Ask When Contacting Daycares

Once you’ve identified potential centres using the daycare search tool BC, it’s time to reach out.

Here are questions to ask when you email or call providers:

Program & Philosophy

What is your daily schedule like?
Is the program play-based, academic, or Montessori?
Do you accommodate diverse languages or cultural backgrounds?

Availability & Waitlists

Do you currently have space or when might a spot open up?
Can I be added to your waitlist?
Do you prioritize siblings or newcomers?

Practical Details

What are your hours and holiday closures?
What’s the monthly fee, and is it before or after subsidies?
What’s the process for registration and deposit?

Staff & Safety

What qualifications do your staff hold?
How do you handle emergencies or illnesses?
What’s your child-to-staff ratio?

Tip: Save time by preparing a short “family profile” email with your child’s name, age, preferred start date, and any specific needs (e.g., allergies, nap schedules).

Navigating Waitlists and Planning Ahead

Waitlists are a reality of the BC childcare system, but they’re not the end of the road.

How Waitlists Work

Some centres require a fee to join the waitlist, others don’t
Being on multiple waitlists increases your chances
Stay in touch, call monthly to express continued interest

Strategies for Success

Be flexible with start dates and types of care (e.g., preschool part-time vs. full daycare)
Consider nearby neighbourhoods or commuting a short distance
Look into temporary care (e.g., nanny shares, short-term family care) while waiting

Many parents find success with a layered approach: start with temporary care, monitor waitlists, and transition to preferred care when a spot opens.

Conclusion: You’ve Got This

Finding daycare while relocating to BC may feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone, and you do have options. With early planning, the right tools, and a bit of flexibility, you can find a safe, nurturing space where your child can thrive while you settle into your new life.

Here’s a quick recap of the most important steps:

✅ Start early, even before your move
✅ Use trusted resources like the BCinfo daycare search tool
✅ Ask thoughtful questions and join multiple waitlists
✅ Explore subsidies like the ACCB
✅ Stay positive, it may take time, but a great daycare is out there

Welcoming your family to BC means helping you feel supported, connected, and ready for this exciting next chapter. Take a deep breath, you’ve got this.

Looking for “daycare near me” in your new BC community? Try the BCinfo daycare search tool today to find personalized, local results you can trust.