Looking for reliable, affordable, and caring childcare in the Niagara Region? Whether you’re a new parent or relocating to the area, here are the Top 5 licensed childcare and early learning centres in Niagara—with everything you need to know, including locations, hours, contact details, reviews, pricing, and website links.
🟢 1. A Child’s World – Family Child Care Services of Niagara
- 📍 Location: Multiple centres in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland, Port Colborne, Fonthill, Ridgeway, and Vineland
- 📞 Contact: (905) 735-1162
- 📧 Email: info@acw.on.ca
- 🌐 Website: https://acw.on.ca
- 🧒 Ages Served: Infant (0–18 mo), Toddler (18–30 mo), Preschool (30 mo–3.8 yrs), School-age (up to 12 yrs)
- 🕐 Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- 📋 Slots: Apply via Niagara OneList
- 💰 Price (Full Day):
- Infant/Toddler: ~$22/day
- Preschool: ~$18.66/day (under CWELCC program)
- School-age before/after care: ~$12–$14/day
- 📝 Reviews: Highly trusted, experienced educators, long-established provider
- ⏱️ Hours per Day: Full-day (up to 11 hours)
🟦 2. Childcare Central – Niagara-on-the-Lake
- 📍 Location: 680 York Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
- 📞 Contact: (289) 273-7055
- 📧 Email: childcare@centralcc.ca
- 🌐 Website: https://centralcc.ca/childcare
- 🧒 Ages Served: Infant to preschool
- 🕐 Hours:
- Full-day care: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Nursery school: 8:45 AM – 11:45 AM (2–3 days/week)
- 📋 Slots: Via Niagara OneList waitlist
- 💰 Price:
- Full-day: ~$22/day
- Nursery program: $96–$144/month
- 📝 Reviews: Caring environment, family-oriented, great community feedback
- ⏱️ Hours per Day: Up to 11 hours (full-day)
🟨 3. Niagara Nursery School & Child Care Centre
- 📍 Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- 📞 Contact: (via OneList or on-site)
- 📧 Email: Available after registration
- 🌐 Website: https://niagaranurseryschool.ca
- 🧒 Ages Served: 18 months to 6 years
- 🕐 Hours:
- Full-day: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Nursery: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Before/After Care: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM & 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- 📋 Slots: Apply through Niagara OneList
- 💰 Price: Inquire directly (CWLLEC subsidies apply)
- 📝 Reviews: Over 50 years of service, personalized care, parent-recommended
- ⏱️ Hours per Day: Full-day and part-time options available
🟥 4. YMCA of Niagara – Early Learning & Care
- 📍 Location: Multiple sites across Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, and Grimsby
- 📞 Contact: Through YMCA Niagara Website
- 📧 Email: Contact form on website
- 🌐 Website: https://ymcaofniagara.org/programs/child-care
- 🧒 Ages Served: Infant to 12 years
- 🕐 Hours:
- Full-day: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Before/After School: 7:00 AM until school start / school end to 6:00 PM
- 📋 Slots: Niagara OneList required
- 💰 Price: ~ $20–$22/day (CWELCC rate)
- 📝 Reviews: Licensed, structured, includes “Playing to Learn” curriculum
- ⏱️ Hours per Day: 10–11 hours (full-day); 2–3 hours (before/after school)
🟧 5. Great Beginnings Child Care Centre
- 📍 Location: Niagara Falls (check website for exact locations)
- 📞 Contact: Via individual centre page
- 📧 Email: Available on request
- 🌐 Website: https://greatbeginningsdaycare.ca
- 🧒 Ages Served: Infant to school-age
- 🕐 Hours: Typically 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- 📋 Slots: Apply via OneList or call directly
- 💰 Price:
- Infant: $22/day
- Toddler: ~$19.37/day
- Preschool: ~$17.48/day
- Kindergarten/School-age: ~$15/day
- 📝 Reviews: Clean, well-equipped facilities, good staff-child ratio
- ⏱️ Hours per Day: Full-day (10–11 hours)
Summary Table
| Childcare Centre | Location | Ages | Price (per day) | Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Child’s World | Region-wide | 0–12 yrs | ~$18–$22 | (905) 735-1162 | acw.on.ca |
| Childcare Central | Niagara-on-the-Lake | 0–6 yrs | $22 / $96+ monthly | (289) 273-7055 | centralcc.ca |
| Niagara Nursery School | Niagara-on-the-Lake | 18 mo–6 yrs | Varies | via OneList | niagaranurseryschool.ca |
| YMCA of Niagara | Multiple Niagara cities | 0–12 yrs | ~$20–$22 | via website | ymcaofniagara.org |
| Great Beginnings Child Care | Niagara Falls | 0–12 yrs | ~$17–$22 | via website | greatbeginningsdaycare.ca |
Final Note
All of these childcare centres participate in Ontario’s CWELCC program, helping families save up to 50% on child care fees. Whether you’re looking for full-time infant care, flexible preschool hours, or before/after school programs, Niagara offers excellent, affordable choices.
Make sure to register early through Niagara OneList and book a tour to see which centre feels right for your child.