For many aspiring operators, the most frustrating part of opening a child care centre in Ontario—whether independently or through a Childcare Agency—isn’t finding a location or hiring staff—it’s waiting for licensing approval. In most cases, these delays are not caused by major violations but by documentation mistakes that signal to licensing authorities that a centre may not yet be ready to operate safely.
Ontario’s child care licensing process, governed by the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), is highly evidence-based. The inspectors and consultants from the licensing organizations require different types of documentation to determine if a certain program meets their compliance requirements, not just when the program is launched.
Operators who know the types of documentation errors that occur most often will be better prepared for the licensing process and will be able to proceed through the licensing process with confidence.
Treating Documentation as a Paper Exercise
One of the biggest misconceptions among new operators is that documentation is simply a formality—something to complete once and submit. In reality, every document submitted is treated as a representation of how the centre will operate day to day.
Licensing applications are often delayed when policies, procedures, and operational plans appear disconnected from one another. For example, staffing schedules may not align with supervision policies, or emergency procedures may not reflect the actual layout of the premises.
Licensing staff are trained to identify these inconsistencies because they often predict future compliance issues. Well-prepared applications show clear alignment between written documents and planned operations.
Using Generic or Outdated Policy Templates
Many operators rely on online templates or policies borrowed from other centres. While templates can be a starting point, they are one of the most common reasons licensing applications stall.
When Policies are either;
• Not Customised to the Actual Program Model Used
• Contrary to the current laws of Ontario
• Too Broad/Vague to show real procedures
Follow-up Requests and/or Revised Requests will occur from the Ministry due to these reasons above.
The policies created must reflect actual Centre Practices, i.e., Supervision, Behaviour Guidance, Health & Safety, and Emergency Management. If the language used is generic and does not include how the policies/ procedures are used at the Centres, then it will raise Red Flags and cause delays in getting approved.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Staff Documentation
Staff documentation is a critical part of the child care licensing process in Ontario, especially for any Licensed Daycare Ontario application. Delays frequently occur when staff files are incomplete or inconsistent across the application.
Common issues include:
- Missing or expired First Aid and CPR certifications
- Vulnerable Sector Checks that fall outside acceptable timelines
- Incomplete proof of qualifications
- Lack of documentation showing staff orientation and policy review
Even if staff meet the requirements, licensing approval depends on verifiable proof. If documentation cannot be reviewed quickly and clearly, licensing decisions are often postponed until corrections are made.
Floor Plans and Capacity Documents That Lack Clarity
Floor plans are more than drawings—they are tools inspectors use to assess supervision, capacity, and safety. When floor plans contain ambiguities, errors, or aren’t representative of the calculated capacity of the service space, applications typically will experience significant delays.
Room measurements do not correspond with the stated room capacity.
Supervision sight lines are unclear.
Documentation for the outdoor space is incomplete.
The proposed floor plans do not indicate the intended age groupings.
Licensing staff will require assurance that all physical spaces will adequately support the provision of safe supervision and delivery of programs. Typically, any ambiguities will result in clarifying questions and/or requests for revisions.
Emergency and Safety Documentation That Isn’t Site-Specific
Emergency plans are a required part of licensing documentation, yet many applications are delayed because these plans are overly generic. Inspectors will be looking for procedures that are tailored to the needs of the specific building, location, and program structure.
If Emergency documentation fails to contain site-specific information such as Evacuation routes, assembly locations, or staff positions, it is likely that planning has not been completed. Therefore, Emergency documentation will likely require additional reviews or requests for updates before the approval process can be continued.
Record-Keeping Systems That Are Poorly Defined
Ontario regulations require clear systems for record-keeping, including attendance, incidents, medication administration, and serious occurrences. Licensing delays often occur when applications fail to explain how records will be created, maintained, and reviewed.
Licensing staff look for structure and accountability. When there are misunderstandings regarding who is responsible for record keeping, or when record keeping appears to be unorganized, confusion is created about the ability to remain compliant with regulations once the centre is operational.
Assuming Corrections Are Minor
The other common error relates to underestimating the effect of correcting documents. Even the smallest change is considered a new document and must be re-reviewed before becoming Licensed, so these types of small changes can have a major impact on the length of time to become Licensed (especially concentrated during large periods of Licences).
Each request for clarification re-establishes part of the review process. Applications that are submitted correctly and contain accurate information are typically processed faster through Licensing than all other applications.
Final Insight
In Ontario, child care licensing is not delayed because requirements are unclear—it is delayed when documentation does not convincingly demonstrate readiness to operate safely and consistently, including how Child Care Assistance considerations are understood and managed.
For operators, investing time and expertise into proper documentation upfront can prevent months of unnecessary waiting. Excellent Documentation Clearly Indicates That A Centre Knows The Rules, Has Prepared Well, and Is Primed To Meet The Expectations Of The Ministry Right From Day One.
About Daycare Consulting Services
Daycare Consulting Services Provides Quality Service To Ontario Child Care Operators By Preparing Accurate Documentation For Licensing To Ensure Home Daycare Provider Are In Compliance With Current Regulations. We work with providers to align policies, staffing, floor plans, and operational systems with real licensing expectations—reducing delays and building confidence throughout the approval process.
