Launch Your Markham Child Care Services Business Today
This page maps out how to start a licensed child care services business in Markham (NAICS 624410). You’ll get a practical, step-by-step path from planning to your license, including the 13 licensing requirements, the permits you’ll apply for, and the costs and timeline involved. Expect a clear overview from the initial prep to your first inspection, plus what to budget for licensing fees, facility upgrades, and insurance.
What you’ll learn: a clear checklist of the 13 requirements, how to prepare your space and safety plan, staffing rules, and the documents you’ll gather for each stage. You’ll get practical tips to streamline the process, avoid common delays, and navigate inspections, background checks, and ongoing compliance so you can open confidently and stay compliant.
Why Markham works: this fast-growing city has strong demand for quality child care, supportive families, and resources that help new providers succeed. With careful planning and the city’s local guidance, your 13 requirements can translate into a thriving, trusted service that serves Markham families for years to come.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a child care service in Markham is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it, so it is non-negotiable. It means having a safe workplace for children and staff, following safety rules, keeping clear safety plans, providing training, and reporting any injuries. Treat this as the foundation; everything else builds on meeting these safety standards.
In terms of mandatory operational requirements, you’ll also need licensing and permits that cover health and safety and how you run the program. This includes obtaining a Social Service Agency License and a municipal Business Licence, plus compliance with any Group Home and Supportive Housing Regulations if your service falls under those provisions. For staff, you must complete Vulnerable Sector Screenings and meet Employment Standards requirements, plus ensure WSIB coverage in case of workplace injuries. You’ll also need PHIPA compliance to protect the privacy and health information of children and families you serve.
For business registrations and taxes, you’ll handle essential numbers and registrations that keep your operation above board. This includes Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) if you’re trading under a name other than your legal name, a Business Number (BN) Registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, and GST/HST Registration if your revenue crosses the threshold. If you have charitable status, you may pursue Registered Charity Status (Social Services). Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA is also needed to properly handle taxes and withholdings for staff.
You’re not alone in this journey, and taking concrete next steps will set you up for success. Start by confirming OHSA-related safety policies and training, then pursue the required licenses and permits, set up staff screening and privacy practices, and secure the necessary business and tax registrations. If you’re unsure, co
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a child care services in Markham:
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Social Service Agency License RequiredSocial service agencies providing childcare, elder care, disability services, or counseling must be licensed and comply with service standards and accountability requirements. Various Acts govern social services. CYFSA for children's services. MCCSS for developmental services. ONCA incorporation for non-profits. Transfer Payment Accountability Directive (TPAD). Annual reporting. Quality assurance. Background checks mandatory. Indigenous services may have different pathways. Contact MCCSS.
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Markham. Apply to City of Markham for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Markham Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Registered Charity Status (Social Services) RequiredMany social service organizations operate as registered charities to receive tax-exempt status and issue donation receipts. CRA registration and compliance required. CRA registers charities federally (T2050 application). Ontario: Extra-Provincial Corporations Act for foreign charities. Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) for provincial incorporation. Charitable purpose required. Annual T3010 filing. Disbursement quota rules. ONCA transition completed Oct 2024. Contact CRA Charities: 1-800-267-2384.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Vulnerable Sector Screening ConditionalRequired if working with vulnerable persons. All staff and volunteers working with children, seniors, or vulnerable populations must undergo police vulnerable sector checks (VSC) for criminal records. Apply through local police service. Required for work/volunteering with vulnerable persons (children, seniors, those requiring care). Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 governs process. Need: agency letter describing position. Includes criminal convictions + findings of not criminally responsible. Jan 2025: Broad Record Check via LE213 pathway. Only valid for specific employer/position. Contact local police.
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Group Home and Supportive Housing Regulations ConditionalRequired for group home operations. Group homes and supportive housing facilities must comply with zoning, safety, staffing ratios, care standards, and inspection requirements for residential care settings. Various Acts govern based on population served. Children's residences: CYFSA licensing. Developmental services: MCCSS approval. RHRA for retirement homes (65+). Building Code and Fire Code compliance. Municipal zoning as single family (Human Rights Code). Staff training requirements. Contact MCCSS or specific regulatory body.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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PHIPA Compliance (Extended Healthcare) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Healthcare providers, social services, and care facilities must comply with Personal Health Information Protection Act for privacy, consent, security, and disclosure of health information. PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) applies to health information custodians. First penalties Oct 2025 ($5K-7.5K). New de-identification guidelines. Privacy impact assessments for new initiatives. Consent management. Breach notification to IPC. Retention schedules. Contact IPC: 416-326-3333 or Ontario Health.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your child care services:
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Two streams: Community-Based (up to $25,000 for local projects led by and for seniors) and Pan-Canadian ($1M–$5M for national collective impact initiatives). The most recent Community-Based intake closed September 17, 2025; Pan-Canadian intake closed November 2023. Next call dates have not been announced as of early 2026. The program runs …
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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