Ontario’s Child Care System Relying on Underqualified Workers as It Faces ‘Retention Crisis,’ New Report Says Ontario’s licensed daycare centers are increasingly employing staff without full qualifications due to a shortage of trained professionals. A report analyzing director approvals from 2021 to 2025 indicates a significant and ongoing increase in the use of these permits across the province’s licensed child care industry. Director approvals allow individuals who are not registered early childhood educators to work in these settings.

• Ontario’s child-care system is experiencing a shortage of trained professionals.
• Licensed daycare centers are increasingly relying on underqualified staff.
• A report analyzed director approvals in Ontario’s licensed child care system from 2021 to 2025.
• Director approvals permit individuals without registered early childhood educator status to work in child care centers.
• The number of director approvals has seen a sharp and sustained increase.