Published September 22, 2026
Parents in Chilliwack usually start their search by typing “daycare near me”, but daycare is only one of several kinds of early-years programs, and some of them are free. This guide compares the main options for a three-to-five-year-old so you can rule out the ones that do not fit before you start touring.
The options at a glance
| Program | Hours | Who runs it | Group size | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed group child care (30 months to school age) | Full day, often 7:30 to 5:30 | Licensed centre with certified ECEs | Up to 25 per group; many centres are smaller | Monthly fee, reduced by provincial programs |
| Licensed preschool | Part day, usually 2 to 4 hours, a few days a week | Licensed program with certified ECEs | Up to 20 | Monthly fee, usually lower than full-day care |
| Licensed family child care | Varies, often full day | One provider in their own home | Up to 7 children of mixed ages | Monthly fee |
| Multi-age child care | Varies | Licensed provider, home or centre | Up to 8 children of mixed ages | Monthly fee |
| StrongStart BC | Drop-in, a few hours on school days | School District 33, with a qualified facilitator | Open drop-in | Free |
| Unlicensed care (registered or not) | Varies | Individual caring for two or fewer unrelated children | 2 or fewer | Varies |
Licensed group child care
This is what most people mean by “daycare”. The centre is licensed by Fraser Health for children from 30 months to school age, operates full days, and must staff at one educator per eight children with certified ECEs and ECE Assistants. Many group centres, including ours, run a preschool-style learning block inside the day rather than as a separate program. It suits families who need care that covers a working day and who want early learning included without a second drop-off.
Licensed preschool
A preschool licence covers part-day programs only. Children attend for a couple of hours a few mornings or afternoons a week, often with a parent handling the rest of the day. It suits families with a parent or grandparent at home, or a child who is not ready for a long day. It does not solve child care for two working parents on its own, and combining a preschool with a separate daycare means two sets of routines and two pickups.
Family and multi-age child care
Licensed family child care happens in the provider’s home with no more than seven children, and multi-age care with no more than eight. Both are inspected by licensing, and both offer a home-like setting with siblings of different ages together. The trade-off is that the whole program depends on one or two adults, so sick days and holidays can close it.
StrongStart BC
StrongStart centres are free, drop-in early learning programs run by school districts for children from birth to age five, with a parent or caregiver staying for the session. Chilliwack School District 33 runs StrongStart programs in several of its elementary schools. They are not child care, because you stay with your child, but they are an excellent way for a three-year-old to get used to a classroom, and they cost nothing. Check the SD33 website for current locations and hours.
Unlicensed care
In BC a person may care for up to two children (or a sibling group) who are not related to them without a licence. Some register with a Child Care Resource and Referral centre, which involves a criminal record check and basic training, but nobody inspects the home. It can be a good fit with someone you know well. It is not eligible for the Affordable Child Care Benefit at the same rates as licensed care, and there is no regulator to call if something goes wrong.
How to choose
- Start with hours. If both parents work full time, part-day preschool alone will not work. If one parent is home, full-day care may be more than you need.
- Decide how much group size matters to your child. Some children thrive in a large, busy room; others need a small, predictable one.
- Check the licence category against what the program describes. The Fraser Health public list shows it for every licensed facility.
- Try StrongStart while you wait. Waitlists in Chilliwack are real; a free drop-in keeps your child learning in the meantime.
Sources: Fraser Health, Public List of Licensed Child Care Facilities (category definitions); BC Child Care Licensing Regulation; Government of BC, StrongStart BC program information; Chilliwack School District 33.
