Number of children allowed in home and unlicensed child care programs
Learn how many children you can have in your licensed home child care or unlicensed child care program.
Licensed home child care programs
These child care programs are overseen by a licensed home child care agency.
If you are a program provider registered with an agency, your program can have a maximum of 6 children under 13 years old. In this maximum of 6 children:
- no more than 3 children can be under the age of 2
- you must count your own children under the age of 4
Licensed child care agencies must consider the following when placing a child in your home child care program:
- the age of the other children in the group
- the child’s ability to evacuate (leave an area) independently in an emergency
- your experience and qualifications as a child care provider
- the physical environment of your home
- considerations for special needs or medical needs
Unlicensed child care programs
If you are an unlicensed child care program provider, you can have a maximum of 5 children under 13 years old. In this maximum of 5 children:
- no more than 3 children can be under the age of 2
- you must count your own children under the age of 4
You must inform parents/guardians that you are an unlicensed provider in writing, stating: “This child care program is not licensed by the Government of Ontario.” You must keep a copy of your written notification on file for 2 years.
Disclaimer
If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact information.met@ontario.ca. We will:
- acknowledge your request within three business days
- provide you with the content within 15 business days