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Finding Child Care

Child Care Referrals

Our Parent Referral Consultants create a detailed search based on your child’s age and your preferences for the type of care, location, and hours. We are happy to create multiple tailored referrals if needed.

What if I want a complete list?
The right fit depends on the details. However, if you prefer a list of all licensed facilities instead, Community Care Facilities Licensing can be reached at 250-519-3401.

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Financial Help

You may qualify for support with child care costs. We help families understand and apply for the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB). We help families understand and apply for the ACCB and child care providers apply for CCOF. You can estimate funding and apply directly through the ACCB website. Or, if you would like help with your application, please call our office (250-382-7000), during office hours, to schedule an appointment.

What is the SD61 Catchment?

The SD61 catchment covers the Greater Victoria School District, the neighbourhoods we serve directly.

What if I am outside the SD61 catchment?

If you are searching for childcare in the Saanich Peninsula, Colwood, Langford, or Sooke, we are not the right program for your search, but the provincial CCRR website can point you to the one that serves your area.

What happens after I submit a referral form?

Once you submit your request, our team gets to work right away. Here is what that looks like.

Fill out Referral Form

You fill out the referral form.

Include your email so we can send you a parent package on selecting quality childcare.

We search based on your needs.

Age, location, schedule, and care type.

You will hear from us within 2 business days.

The information we send you will contain a list of licensed and registered child care providers who match your criteria, including:

·       Program name
·       Hours of operation
·       Contact information
·       Program details

Note: In the best interest of families, we do not make recommendations or endorsements of individual providers. You, as the parent, are best positioned to select and evaluate what is right for your child.
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Not Sure What Type of Child Care You Are Looking For?

That is completely normal. There are more options than most people realize, from licensed home-based care to group daycare centres. Take a look at the different types of child care in BC before you start your search, or just tell us what you are looking for and we will help you sort it out.

View Types of Childcare in BC
Smiling parents giving their two children piggyback rides outdoors on a sunny day

Applying for the Affordable Child Care Benefit?

We can assist families applying for the Affordable Child Care Benefit at Victoria Child Care Resource and Referral. We can help you fill out your application, or you can apply on your own.

  • Call to schedule an appointment - we will help you fill out the application, and we can scan, photocopy, and/or fax your documents. Appointments can be scheduled.

    Office Hours
    Monday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    Friday Office Closed. Staff working remotely.
    Saturday mornings 8 a.m. to noon
    Closed Sunday
  • Apply on your own — estimate your funding and submit your application directly through the ministry website.

Have questions about the program itself, or want the forms mailed to you? Contact the Affordable Child Care Benefit Centre directly at 1-888-338-6622 or visit Child Care BC's page.

Community Connections

Beyond referrals, our Parent and Child Care Consultants can provide information about community resources and child care-related issues.

Toy & Equipment Lending Library

We also maintain a small lending library of toys and equipment for families who need it. Ask us for details.

Proudly Serving Victoria's SD61

We proudly serve families and child care providers throughout the SD61 Catchment, including Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, View Royal, and Saanich. Wherever you are in the region, our referral consultants can match you with licensed care options nearby and help you navigate subsidy applications, waitlists, and next steps.

  • Victoria
  • Esquimalt
  • Oak Bay
  • View Royal
  • Saanich

Looking for Additional Resources?

Choosing child care

A plain-language guide from HealthLink BC on what to look for and questions to ask.

Parents' guide to selecting and monitoring child care

The Province of BC's full guide to evaluating quality and staying involved once your child is enrolled.

Types of child care in BC

A quick overview of the different care options available, so you know what you are choosing between.

Making a quality child care choice

What quality actually looks like in a child care setting, and how to spot it.

Child care checklist

A printable list of what to ask and look for when you are touring a facility.

Returning to work with an infant

Practical guidance for the transition back to work after parental leave.

Child care licensing regulation

The provincial standards licensed facilities are required to meet, from Island Health.

Guiding children's behaviour

A ministry booklet on supporting healthy behaviour in young children.