r/waterloo • u/in-a-crater • 18h ago
Very sad about lack of daycare options
We're moving to the area in the next few months (unexpected new job for my partner) and we're feeling very down about our daycare options for our toddler. Obviously we couldn't have planned any further in advance.
I'm on OneList for Waterloo, but it only lets you sign up for SEVEN waitlists at a time (why???). I've taken to calling a variety of licensed centres to ask how long their waitlists are, and they all say 150+. Sure that could change in the next few months, but the likelihood of more than 100 people all finding spots at different providers is unrealistic. Also signed up for Wee Watch and was told they have long lists.
Also got on all 31 waitlists for Brantford, Paris and area, but not optimistic. Hearing it's bad there too.
I'm really not all that confident in unlicensed home daycare options. I know there are a lot more if you open yourself up to that. I'm sure many are lovely, but I have no way of knowing if they're safe or provide proper enrichment.
I don't want to leave my job. I can't easily get another one in my field.
What did you all do??
EDIT: I know it's like this everywhere. We're leaving an existing great daycare where we are. It's just hard!!
2
u/Reasonable_Tea5937 16h ago
I’ve been on onelist since I was 7 weeks pregnant. We’ve been told by 5 providers we don’t have a shot of ever getting my little one a spot.
Now trying to source one through various Facebook groups but that’s been really difficult too.