Local service guide
Childcare in Halifax: Options, Fees and Planning
To arrange childcare in Halifax, start with the provincial licensed-facility directory and the regulated family home child care agencies serving Halifax Regional Municipality. Shortlist providers that fit your child’s age, your work hours and your pickup route, then request written fees and enrollment terms. Check whether each provider participates in fee reductions and whether your family could receive the provincial subsidy before committing. [1] [2] [3]
Choose the care setting before comparing fees
The province’s licensed-facility search lets you filter by city or town, program type and age category. Its interactive map also provides details of active daycares and their licences. Use those tools to identify suitable programs, then ask providers about vacancies, start dates and enrollment steps. [1]
Regulated family home child care providers operate from their own homes with support from family home child care agencies. The province highlights smaller groups, mixed-age sibling care and programming supported by early childhood education consultants. Contact an agency to discuss your children’s ages and the hours you need. [1]
Write down your earliest drop-off, latest pickup and required days before contacting anyone. Include travel time between care, work and home. If you need occasional evening care or care in your own home, assess that arrangement on its own terms and ask about references, first-aid training, emergency procedures and backup coverage.
Compare the amount you will pay
Nova Scotia reports that phased reductions lowered average regulated child care fees by approximately 50 per cent for children under 6 compared with 2021. Participating providers include the reduction in their bills. Some show a separate line item; others include it in the total. [3]
Ask each provider whether it has a provincial funding agreement and whether its quoted fee includes the applicable reduction. Licensed operators with a signed agreement must apply the reductions. The province also says licensed programs can support access to the subsidy regardless of their funding status. [4]
Request a written breakdown of the billing period, required attendance days, meals, supplies, deposits and any extra charges. Ask how the provider bills absences, holidays and closures. Compare the total for the same schedule, and keep the deposit and withdrawal terms beside each quote.
Prepare subsidy documents alongside enrollment
The provincial subsidy covers part of eligible families’ fees at licensed facilities, approved family home agencies and approved Nova Scotia Before and After Programs for children 12 and younger. The province bases eligibility on assessed financial circumstances and identifies assessed incomes under $70,000 as eligible. Families can receive subsidy on top of participating-provider fee reductions. [2] [3]
Prepare the documents that match your circumstances before starting the application. The province lists items such as Notices of Assessment, pay information, school enrollment evidence, residency documents and custody agreements. Its online form has a 30-minute timeout on each screen, so gather readable digital copies first. [2]
Plan your initial payments with the assessment period in mind. The province says a caseworker assesses applications within eight weeks; approved subsidy starts from the date it received your complete application. Ask how the provider handles billing while you await a decision, and budget without assuming approval or a particular award. [2]
Visit and agree on the daily arrangements
During a visit, ask who will care for your child, how staff or caregivers handle illness and how they contact parents. Discuss allergies, medication, toileting, sleep and any support needs. Describe the help your child needs during an ordinary day and ask the provider to explain its approach.
For school-related care, confirm the school served and the handoff arrangements. Ask about pickup authorization, transportation, school closure days and care outside the school term. For a home-based arrangement, ask who covers the caregiver’s illness or vacation and how much notice families receive.
Before accepting a space, obtain the agreed start date, schedule, fee, deposit terms and withdrawal notice in writing. Clarify the settling-in plan and exchange emergency contacts. If you need temporary care before the start date, assess and document that arrangement separately.
Published daily fee reductions at licensed child care centres
Local details that affect your job
HRM family home agency contacts
The provincial directory lists Chebucto Family Home Day Care Agency at 902-479-3031, Fox Hollow Family Child Care Agency at 902-826-2709 and Sackville Family Day Care Association at 902-864-6363 as serving Halifax Regional Municipality. Contact an agency with your preferred area, schedule and children’s ages to ask about suitable home-based options. Directory inclusion does not establish a current vacancy. [1]
Halifax subsidy intake
The province lists Halifax subsidy intake at 902-424-2084 and the regional office at 2021 Brunswick Street. Use intake to clarify application questions before submitting, particularly if your income or custody arrangements need explanation. If you receive subsidy and move your child to another approved location, contact your caseworker to arrange its transfer. [2]
Pre-primary and school-age planning
Across Nova Scotia, the fee-based Before and After Program serves children ages 4 to 12 enrolled in provincial pre-primary or the public education system. Approved child care, municipal recreation or recognized nonprofit recreation providers deliver it. For a Halifax school routine, confirm the provider’s connection to your child’s school before treating the program as a workable option. [1]
Match the care option to your household
| Your priority | Option to investigate | Confirm before accepting |
|---|---|---|
| Care matched to your child’s age | Licensed centre through the provincial directory | Age category, vacancy, hours and licence details |
| Smaller groups or siblings together | Regulated family home care through an HRM agency | Sibling spaces, schedule and caregiver backup |
| Care around pre-primary or public school | Approved Nova Scotia Before and After Program for ages 4 to 12 | School served, handoffs and closure-day arrangements |
| Help with eligible care fees | Provincial subsidy alongside your care search | Assessed-income eligibility, complete documents and interim billing |
Your hiring checklist
- Record your child’s age, start date, required days and pickup deadline.
- Check the provincial directory or discuss regulated home care with an HRM agency.
- Confirm an available space and the provider’s enrollment process.
- Request the total payable fee and ask whether it includes fee reductions.
- Discuss health needs, daily routines, communication and emergency coverage.
- Prepare subsidy documents and plan for payments during assessment.
- Read deposit, closure, absence and withdrawal terms before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply separately for reduced fees?
You do not submit a family application for fee reductions at participating providers. The provider includes the reduction in your bill. Ask whether the quoted amount already includes it. [3]
Can I receive both reduced fees and subsidy?
Yes. The province applies the participating-provider fee reduction first, and eligible families can receive subsidy to reduce their remaining costs. [3]
Does a directory listing confirm a space is available?
Treat the directory as a way to identify programs and review licence information. Confirm vacancies, the age group accepted and the start date with the provider before making plans around a space. [1]
Are the chart amounts current daycare prices?
They are provincial daily fee-reduction amounts from the published table’s December 2022 stage. They do not represent current Halifax fees. Request a written quote for your child and schedule. [4]
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.