Waitlist Information

Update: January 15, 2024

The Parkgate Society Child Care waitlist is now closed.

Thank you for considering Parkgate Society for your child care needs.

Currently all our programs are full, with long waitlists.

As of January 1, 2024, we have contacted families and offered a spot if there was any space available in either of our Programs (Infant/Toddler, 3-5 and School Age Care).

Typically, people are on the waitlist for about 3 years or longer.

· Child Care spaces for Infant/Toddler Child Care (under 3 years old) have now been allocated until the end of May 2025.

· Child Care spaces for 3-5 Child Care (preschool age) have now been allocated until the end of August 2025.

· Child Care spaces for School Age Care (kindergarten to grade 6) are filled for the school year 2023 to 2024 and beyond.

Please note: School-age children often stay 5 years or longer at our programs and there is very little movement. Spaces that become available are often filled by children that leave our 3-5 Child Care Program

Our waitlist is currently closed.

Please check this page often, as we will announce changes to our waitlist here.

While we wish we could reply to each of you individually, we simply don’t have the capacity. Thank-you very much for your interest in Parkgate Society Child Care programs and thank you for your patience!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does our waitlist work?

When there are vacancies in our programs, priority for space will be determined as follows:

Children currently enrolled in our child care programs have priority to move up to the next level or to increase or decrease their days.
Siblings of children who are currently enrolled in our child care programs.
Waitlisted children who are eligible for the specific space available (based on age) and in order of waitlist date.

When can I apply and place my child on the waitlist?

You may put your child’s name onto the waitlist as soon as your child is born.

Is there a waitlist application fee?

No, however, there is a $75.00 administration fee when you accept a space in our child care program.

How long can I expect to wait to receive an offer for a child care space?

There are many factors we consider when a space becomes available (i.e. siblings currently attending, the date you went onto the waitlist, the type of program you are looking for); for these reasons, it is difficult to provide an accurate prediction of how long a family might wait for a space, or even if a space will be offered at all. Average wait times range from 1-3 years. Note: This information is not a precise indicator of when you may receive an offer of care. We cannot guarantee that a space will become available so we encourage families to continue exploring alternative child care options.

How do I find out where my child is on the waitlist?

Given the various factors in determining who will be offered a space, we do not provide waitlist numbers and we are unable to respond to requests related to finding out where your child is on the waitlist. However, we can provide confirmation that your child is still on the list.

How much notice will I be given when a space becomes available?

We aim to provide you with a minimum of one month notice. When a space becomes available, we send a notification by email to a number of families on the waitlist to confirm who is interested. From the responses we receive, we offer the space to the first “eligible” child using our priorities. When you receive an offer for a space, you will have 48 hours to respond. If we do not hear from you within 48 hours, we will move on to the next child on the waitlist. For this reason, it is important for you to inform us of any changes to your contact information.

Do I get to see the child care program before I accept the space?

Yes, if you have been offered a space, you will have an opportunity to see the program before accepting the space.

What happens if I turn down a space when it is offered?

If you decline 3 offers of a space which match your waitlist application, your child’s name will be moved to the bottom of the waitlist and you will lose your priority status. If you no longer need a child care space, please contact us so we can remove your name from the list.

What if I accept a space and then decide I don’t want it?

We have a 45-day withdrawal policy. If you accept a space and then change your mind, you are responsible for paying the fees to cover 45 days unless your notice for withdrawal is more than 45 days prior to your child’s start date. Your child can be placed back on the waitlist and he/she will have a new waitlist date. Note: if you do not provide the 45 days’ notice/pay in lieu of notice, we will not put your child back onto our waitlist.

We understand that seeking high quality child care for your children is extremely important and can be stressful. A very good resource to help in your search for child care is North Shore Community Resources’ Child Care Resource & Referral page.

Volunteer with us

Are you looking for a way to connect with our community? We are looking for volunteers of all ages who want to share their passion and skills with us and help to make our community a special place.

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator to learn more.

Get Involved

Support Parkgate Society

Parkgate Society relies on donations of any amount from community members just like you.

Your support helps ensure Parkgate Society continues to provide community services to our friends and neighbours on the North Shore.

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