B2C2 Expansion Toolkit

Understanding Licensing in Ontario

All licensed child care programs in Ontario must comply with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and its regulations. Licensing is overseen by the Ministry of Education, and a valid license is required before operations can begin.

Key points:

• Apply for a license through the Child Care Licensing System (CCLS) at ontario.ca

   

• Organizations must be incorporated provincially

   

• Initial application requires:

   

  • Articles of incorporation

     

  • Names and police checks for directors/officers

     

  • $200 non-refundable application fee

     

• New licenses are reviewed annually for the first three years, after which the program may enter a tiered renewal system

   

Program Advisors from the Ministry conduct ongoing inspections to ensure compliance

Licensing Process and Timelines

Licensing is a multi-step process that includes planning, documentation, inspections, and final approval.

Initial Setup Requirements

• Proposed name and address for the child care centre
  
• Floor plans and site plans
  
• Written zoning approval from the municipality
  
• Operational details (room layout, age groupings, capacity)
  
• Equipment and furniture purchases
  
• Hiring qualified staff and supervisor
  
• Police record checks
  
• Drafting policies and procedures 

Plan Submission and Approvals

• Upload detailed floor plans and site plans to the CCLS
  
• A Program Advisor reviews and recommends for approval in principle
  
• A Ministry director issues an approval letter that supports your building permit application 

Additional Approvals Required

• Building permit
  
• Fire inspection and an approved fire safety plan
• Health and safety inspection by local public health

Preparing for Final Inspection and Licensing

Before your final licensing inspection, the child care centre must be fully operational and compliant with all regulations. The final visit is conducted by a Program Advisor who verifies readiness to open.

• Completion certificates for fire, health, and construction
  
• Fully furnished and operational program rooms, kitchen, and office
  
• Locked medication storage and first aid kits with manuals
  
• Required signage posted (e.g., fire evacuation, handwashing, room labels)
  
• Organized storage for documents, files, and staff materials

   

Only after successful completion of the final inspection and documentation will your license be issued.

Summary

Now that you’ve completed Module 5, you should:

• Understand the legal framework and licensing system for child care in Ontario
• Know how to navigate the CCLS and gather required documentation
  
• Be prepared for the inspections, approvals, and compliance checks needed to receive your child care license 

Licensing is a complex but manageable process with the right preparation and attention to detail. This module ensures that your organization is fully equipped to meet the Ministry’s expectations and open your doors to families with confidence.

Activities

• Floor Site and Playground Plan Checklist
• Sample Compliance Review Checklist
• Sample Monthly Licencing Review

Resources

• Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014
• Regulations Under the Early Years Act
• Licensing – Required Forms, Logs and Posters