Well, I guess its back to advertising.

[jodaycare]

My new little one's Mom informed me tonight that she has been approved for subsidy and gave her 2 weeks notice, she asked why only providers on the list can provide subsidized care? I told her in my region, only those with agencies and actual centres provide subsidized spaces. However I am going to call the region tomorrow to see if I can be put on the list and how to go about it. This little one has only been here a month and is just settling in nicely. On the up side, she may be here longer than two weeks because from what Mom said she has only been approved to receive subsidy, she does not have a space confirmed yet as far as I know.

[playfelt]

You will need to join an agency to "get on the list".

Ontario Works with a lot of phone calls and a lot of paperwork used to allow parents to make use of a private provider if they could come up with a good reason but don't think even that option exists anymore.

[Judy Trickett]

Yep, in Ontario you have to be with an agency to provide care to subsidy clients.

[gramma]

being with an agency will put restrictions on the ages of the kids you can have in your care. Also, you get paid what they offer, which is not going to be the same that you could get privately.

[apples and bananas]

When I was working outside of the home I qualified for subsidy after I had my child in a home daycare. They approved it as "informal subsidy" and they allowed me to keep my child in care with the home provider. I had to pay upfront but I was reimbursed every month.

I know it's different between regions, but it might be something worth asking about. Especially if the child has already settled in with you.