(2-minute read)
March 2024
By E. Walczak, Workshops & Programming Assistant, Family Care Office, University of Toronto
For students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), or those who may live in the Peel region, finding local and affordable childcare—is critical to maintaining a work/life balance. In addition to practicality when balancing work, studies, and home-life, childcare is beneficial to children’s development, and can provide a great option for socialization and school preparedness.
The Early Learning Centre at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM):
At the University of Toronto Mississauga, there is an option for on-campus childcare for children aged 18 months to 4 years old. The University of Toronto’s Early Learning Center (UTM ELC) is a licensed childcare centre that grants first priority registration for UTM’s students, staff, and faculty before giving available spots to the rest of the community.
UTM’s ELC honours Ontario’s accessible childcare agreement, which lowers fees while funding lasts. At present, toddler daily care at UTM is $35.50 for students and $50 for non-students, and monthly toddler care is $715 for students and $982 for non-students. Care for preschool-aged children daily is $28 for students and $40 for non-students, and monthly $525 for students and $746 for non-students. The waitlist for UTM is fee-free and registrations are accepted on an on-going basis.
UTM students with childcare expenses can also apply for the UTM Child Care Grant. The UTM child care grant application is for eligible child care expenses incurred by UTM graduate and undergraduate students paying fees. Additional information about the grant and how to apply may be accessed via the UTM website. UTM’s Childcare Resources website is another resource offering a variety of childcare information and support to UTM students, staff, and faculty who are parents, foster parents, or legal guardians of children.
Childcare in Peel Region:
UTM students, staff, and faculty may also access childcare options and services within the municipality of Peel Region. Over 95% of licensed child care providers in Peel currently participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care plan.
Peel region also offers a Childcare Subsidy to help low-income families offset the cost of licensed childcare for children 12 years or younger. For additional information about Peel Region’s Childcare Subsidy, including how to apply and eligibility requirements, visit their Children and Parenting website.
Peel Region’s website also contains helpful information for families looking for local infant-parent programming, Early ON Child and Family Centres, before or after school programs and/or licensed child care programs.