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Childcare Options

With long workdays, overnight shifts and unpredictable hours, navigating childcare can be a source of stress in a medical career.

What are the types of childcare?

The types of childcare vary by province but in general, there are four types of paid childcare available : 

  • Nanny/Babysitter (multiple, part-time, nanny-share)

  • Licensed Home-based Daycare 

  • Licensed Daycare

  • Unlicensed Daycare

General Considerations

Here are some things you may want to consider as you arrange childcare.

Alphabet Cards

Multiple Options

You may need multiple options to have the childcare coverage you need. This may include multiple nannies with part-time hours, the use of on-call nanny or babysitter services and/or relying on family/friends who are close by.

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Overnight Call Coverage

 Overnight coverage may be through part-time or on-call nanny/babysitter services, and/or family/friend support. You may also need this support if your child is sick and your daycare is unable to care for them OR if your nanny is unable to come to work.

Family Time

Family Status Accomodations

Your school may have accommodations available to help ensure you have adequate childcare coverage. Reach out to your postgraduate medical education department to discuss options.

Comparisons

Read some considerations between a nanny and daycare below. Keep in mind that a lot of this information will be specific to your location (city, province).

Nanny

Daycare

COST

  • Depends on area

  • Average is $20-25 per hour 

  • Agency fees - $3000 - $7000

  • Depends on area

  • Average cost is $500 - $2500 

  • Cost decreases as child age increases 

  • Some daycares have opted into federal $10/day plan

HOURS

  • Can be set by you with more flexibility 

  • Typically will need to pay overtime (1.5 x) if over 35 hours 

  • May be able to provide evening and overnight care

  • Standard to provide at least 2 weeks vacation, but can agree that these will be when you are also on vacation

  • Depends on daycare & program 

  • Possible to find care with 7:30 am - 6 pm hours 

  • Stricter drop-off/pick-up hours

  • Will typically have holiday shut-downs (i.e. 1 week in summer, 2 weeks in winter)

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

  • May perform other duties (housekeeping, cleaning, laundry) 

  • May be more cost effective for multiple children; may be possible to participate in a nanny share with a family close-by or another resident

  • May need multiple part-time nannies to cover extended hours 

  • May want to sign up children for other social activities (adding to costs)

  • Provides socialization

  • Children will be sent home if ill and will need an alternative care plan

  • Need to add children to waitlists early

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you'd like to ask a question, please contact us and we will add to this section!

Other Resources

If you'd like to add a resource, please contact us and we will add to this section!

Hospital Daycares

We have curated the list of hospital daycares here. 

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