Day Care in Canada - Market Research Report (2014-2029)

Nap time: Expanded federal government expenditure will support industry demand and profit

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.

The industry provides care for infants or young children that are typically under the age of five. Additionally, operators may offer prekindergarten programs and care for older children when they are not in school. Over the five years to 2023, increased government consumption and investment and the rising number of women in the workforce have driven industry demand. As the maternal labour participation rate increases, fewer parents are available to take care of infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children. In addition, government subsidies have been critical in enabling families to afford the cost of day care. The COVID-19 pandemic is expected have erased these gains, as the industry's day cares temporarily closed or saw a drop in enrolment across multiple provinces. As a result, industry revenue is projected to stagnate at $10.1 billion over the five years to 2023. This includes a 3.4% increase in revenue in 2023 alone as pandemic-related restrictions ease and demand for day care services continue to recover.

The Day Care industry in Canada provides day care services for infants and children, primarily those under the age of five. These operators generally care for preschool children, but may care for older children when school is not in session such as during the summer or after school hours. Operators may also offer some educational programs.