Balancing family and college: Child care and family support

Going back to school can be a big decision, especially if you have young children who need care while you are in class. You are not alone! If you are struggling to figure it out, consider some of these community resources that can provide you and your family with support while you pursue your education. 

Need to understand Canadian childcare options? Learn more about types of childcare.

Not sure what questions to ask a childcare provider? Find out what to ask a childcare provider.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you choose childcare.

London and Middlesex family resources and supports  

FamilyInfo.ca is your first stop for all things children, parenting and family life in London and Middlesex County. 

Going back to school can be a big decision, especially if you have young children who need care while you are in class. If you are wondering how to make it work, check out these highlighted community resources that can provide you and your family with support while you pursue your education:

• City of London child care services: Daycare Subsidy and Government Program Support (daycare is available for children from birth to four years old). 
• London and Middlesex Regional Child Care Waitlist: OneList is an online directory to assist families in finding licensed child care programs (centre or home-based) in the city of London or Middlesex County.
  • International students can register with OneList from outside of Canada by using Fanshawe as your home address (1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. London, Ontario, N5Y5R6) until you arrive in Canada.
• London Community Centres 
• London Public Library Locations and Resources for Families
• Middlesex County Arenas, Community Centres and Parks  
• Family Info Child Care Centres List

St. Thomas family resources and supports  

• St. Thomas Elgin Children’s Services: Provides information on licensed child care (early years and before/after school), financial assistance for child care, and support for children with special needs.  
• St. Thomas - Elgin Child Care Registry: OneList is an online directory to assist families in finding licensed child care programs (centre or home-based) in the city of St. Thomas and Elgin County.
  • International students can register with OneList from outside of Canada by using Fanshawe as your home address (120 Bill Martyn Pkwy, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R6A7) until you arrive in Canada.  
• Joe Thorton Community Centre
• St. Thomas Public Library

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Simcoe family resources and supports  

• Health and Social Services Haldimand and Norfolk (HNSS): Haldimand-Norfolk Children’s Services plans, manages and supports the delivery of high-quality and affordable childcare services in Haldimand Norfolk. In addition to local management of the EarlyON Child & Family Centres and supporting licensed child care, HNSS also funds a range of programs and support services for parents, caregivers, and children, including financial help with the cost of child care, a centralized waitlist and child care registry, and support for children with special needs.
• Haldimand Norfolk OneList: OneList is an online directory to assist families in finding licensed child care programs (centre or home-based) in the city of Haldimand and Norfolk County.
  • International students can register with OneList from outside of Canada by using Fanshawe as your home address (634 Ireland Rd. Simcoe, Ontario, N3Y4K8) until you arrive in Canada.
• Norfolk Parks and Recreation  
• Norfolk Public Library 

Woodstock family resources and supports  

• Children’s Services Oxford County: Oxford County is committed to working with our community partners to enhance the quality of life for all our citizens, even the youngest among us. Through the management of the licensed child care system, the ongoing support of the special needs resourcing program and collaboration with family support programs, Oxford County continues to offer programs, services and resources that respond to the needs of children and families in our community.  
• Oxford County Child Care: OneList is an online directory to assist families in finding licensed child care programs (centre or home-based) in the City of Woodstock and Oxford County.  
  • International students can register with OneList from outside of Canada by using Fanshawe as your home address (369 Finkle St., Woodstock, Ontario, N5V 1A3) until you arrive in Canada.
• Woodstock Parks and Facilities
• Woodstock Recreation and Leisure Services

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Huron Bruce family resources and supports  

• Huron County Children’s Services: Huron County Children’s Services makes sure that families and child care providers can find the early learning programs and child care support needed in our community. We are here to provide all children and their families easy access to:  
  • Parent education  
  • Early learning activities and resources  
  • Connections to other community agencies or programs  
  • Information on choosing quality child care  
• Huron County Child Care Waitlist: OneList is an online directory to assist families in finding licensed child care programs (centre or home-based) in the City of Woodstock and Oxford County. International students can register with OneList from outside of Canada by using Fanshawe as your home address (169 Beech Street, Clinton, ON, N0M 1L0) until you arrive in Canada.  
• Huron County Library
• Bruce County Library