Getting Settled

On Campus

Child Care and Learning Centre
The University of Guelph Child Care and Learning Centre is a unique Child Care and teaching facility owned and operated by the University of Guelph. It provides quality Child Care while providing a learning opportunity for academically qualified students in the Child Studies program. Under the supervision of trained Early Childhood Education teachers, children are actively involved in playful experiences which are designed to stimulate physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. Through investigation and exploration, children are challenged to develop at their own pace within a trusted, safe environment.

Depending on the age of the child and the time of year, there can be a wait from a few weeks to several months before a space becomes available, so please apply as early as possible. Seventy five percent of the spaces are available for faculty, staff and students of the University, and the other twenty five percent are available to members of the Guelph community at large. Spaces are allocated as follows: 30 Toddler spaces (18 mths - 2 1/2 yrs), 67 preschool (3 and 4 year olds), 20 Kindergarten (5 years to the end of kindergarten).

Campus Child Care Co-operative of Guelph
A non-profit centre serving the Guelph community for over 25 years and offering programs for children aged 3 months to 6 years in a warm, family-oriented, safe and flexible environment. Qualified professional staff are dedicated to providing a balanced, developmentally age-appropriate program which invites a child's interest, stimulates creativity and satisfies the desire to explore and discover the world. The co-operative commitment recognizes the importance of parent involvement through quarterly parent meetings and participation in various committees.

You are encouraged to apply as early as possible (with no obligation) since there is a waiting list. You may request an application by email to kathy@campuschildcare.org

Off Campus

Ontario Early Years Centres maintains an up-to-date child care registry which contains information related to available child care in Guelph, either in a licensed centre or through a private home child care provider. This information can be accessed by visiting our web site (www.gwchildcare.ca) or coming in to the Centre, located in downtown Guelph at 176 Wyndham St. N. We also have a listing of all licensed child care centres, both in the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington.

The YMCA-YWCA of Guelph has been serving our community for more than 90 years, helping individuals grow in spirit, mind and body. We take the same approach with children. We are the largest provider of child care services and our staff are qualified professionals selected to meet the needs of the children in our care and their families. The Y's child care programs develop independence, responsibility and respect for others at a level appropriate to your child's development. We provide a safe, stimulating environment and supportive staff. The role of our staff is essential in establishing a trusing atmosphere where each child is free to learn and grow. Child care is available for children 3 months through 12 years of age at various locations throughout the city. More information about locations and fees, as well as application forms which can be dropped off at any child care location, can be found on our website.