Fourteen daycare centres in Toronto have announced their withdrawal from the federal $10-a-day childcare program, leaving parents anxious and frustrated as monthly fees skyrocket. Among them is Sunnyside Day Care, where parents like Josclyn Johnson are facing financial and emotional challenges.
Johnson, whose 18-month-old daughter has attended Sunnyside for two months, was devastated to learn of the centre’s decision to exit the program. Starting January 1, 2025, Johnson’s childcare costs will rise from $928 to $2,310 per month.
“We’re forced to stay for now,” Johnson said, holding back tears as she explained her difficulty finding alternative care. “Today just feels pretty hopeless.”
Parents Demand Transparency from Daycares
Parents at Sunnyside have united to demand answers, citing a lack of empathy and clarity in the daycare’s communication. In a letter to the centre’s management, they called for an open dialogue and criticized the abrupt decision.
“This drastic decision merits an open, thorough discussion with the families whose lives are being affected,” the letter read.
Further investigation by parents revealed that the directors of Sunnyside are linked to other daycare centres also exiting the program, including Curious Caterpillars, Alphabet Station, and Teddy Bear Academy. These findings have raised questions about the motivations behind the withdrawals.
Impact on Families and Women
The decision has sparked broader concerns about the impact on families, especially working mothers. Jacqueline Stein, another parent affected by a similar daycare withdrawal earlier this year, emphasized the gendered implications.
“This has significant implications for women, especially when daycares decide to do this,” Stein said. “Many are trying to make it work because they understand the value this has for families.”
For parents like Sarah Gaby-Trotz, who recently found an alternative daycare for her child, the upheaval has been emotionally taxing. “The teachers were amazing, and my daughter was just starting to love it there,” she said.
Government and Advocacy Groups Respond
Ontario Education Minister Jill Dunlop expressed sympathy for affected families but highlighted ongoing challenges with the federal funding model.
“I will continue to fight for affordable child care in this province,” Dunlop said, urging the federal government to increase funding to support both affordability and operational sustainability.
New Democrat MPP Bhutila Karpoche has also weighed in, criticizing the lack of foresight and transparency, which she says blindsided parents.
Broader Trends in Daycare Withdrawals
While Toronto has seen 14 daycare centres exit the program, data from other regions shows minimal withdrawals, with only one operator each exiting in York Region and Peel Region. Despite this, some for-profit operators across Ontario have staged rolling closures, citing concerns over the new funding formula’s impact on their autonomy and financial viability.
As of last month, 72% of Toronto’s for-profit centres and 92% of non-profit and public centres remain in the program. However, the recent exits highlight tensions between the childcare sector and government funding policies, leaving parents caught in the middle.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
Parents, advocates, and policymakers are calling for adjustments to the funding formula to prevent further withdrawals and ensure long-term viability for the $10-a-day childcare program. For now, families like Johnson’s must navigate difficult choices as they balance career aspirations and skyrocketing childcare costs.
“The system is supposed to help families,” Johnson said. “But right now, it feels like we’re on our own.”