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Apply for child care
Create a free account with OneHSN to apply for licensed child care programs in St. Thomas and Elgin County. You can apply to as many programs as you like with one application, and providers will contact you when a space becomes available.
Quality child care helps children feel safe, supported and cared for. It supports their learning and development through strong relationships with families and educators, in an engaging and caring environment.
In Ontario, the Ministry of Education licenses child care programs, and the Child Care and Early Years Act (2014) sets provincial standards for children's health, safety and well-being.
You can choose the child care option that works best for your family.
Licensed Child Care Programs offer part-time and full-time care for infants, toddlers, pre-school, and school-aged children.
These programs can operate in a variety of locations including private buildings, community centres and schools, with staff trained in Early Childhood Education.
Licensed nursery school programs offer part-time programs for children 18 months to 5 years old, with staff trained in Early Childhood Education.
The Ministry of Education licenses Elgin Home Child Care, which contracts and supports local providers offering child care from their own homes.
These providers may offer part-time, full-time, before and after school, and extended-hours care for children of all ages.
Visit the OneHSN St. Thomas-Elgin Child Care Registry and select "Find Child Care" for a full list of programs in St. Thomas and Elgin County.
Ontario's licensing regulations set minimum standards for staff-child ratios, space, nutrition, time spent indoors and outdoors, sleeping arrangements, and staff qualifications.
These are minimum standards and do not cover every aspect of a quality program, so we still recommend visiting in person.
Learn more about child care choices from the Ontario government
Contact Us
City of St. Thomas
545 Talbot Street, PO Box 520,
St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3V7
Canada
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