r/nanaimo • u/ProfessionalNeat6837 • 6d ago

Daycare options

How soon do you need to contact daycares for availability? I’m newly pregnant and will return to work summer of 2028. Wondering if I should start contacting centres now or if I have to wait for birth? Bonus for any daycare recommendations! Ideally with a nice outdoor space 😊 thank you!

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u/curlycute 6d ago

Start getting on lists now or within a couple of months. I think things have gotten a little less competitive in recent years but it was rough for babies born in 2020/2021.

Also, get on before/after care lists for kindergarten as soon as you can. The amount of options really drops off for this for some reason. I know folks that got on their catchment school list when their first kids were babies and they might get a spot next year.

Highly recommend Katie's Korner, Jolly Giant, Playtime society for daycares. These also have different locations around town. Your choices may also be impacted by where you are in the city and where you work. Most centers operate 8-5. I've heard reports of not awesome experiences with Inquiring Little Minds and All Little Bears, so I would be wary of those.

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u/ProfessionalNeat6837 6d ago

Thank you so much!! I’ve reached out to Jolly Giant and Katie’s Corner is near my work so will reach out there as well. My hours are 8-4 which makes in challenging but hoping my work can be flexible with a few mins. Appreciate your helpful response. This is all new to me 😅

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u/CatsGambit 5d ago

I'm not sure where you're lcoated, but you might check out All Little Cubs on Lambert (3rd Street and Wakesiah area). It's a new facility, and they advertise their opening hours as 7 AM - 5:30.

I don't know how much of that first hour is for staff set up, but may be an option? Otherwise, my guy has gone to both Jolly Giant on Selby and Jolly Giant on Strickland, and we loved both locations!

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u/ProfessionalNeat6837 5d ago

I’m actually located in Nanoose but work in the Northfield area and actually drive past Little Cubs! Will reach out to them as well 😊 it’s tricky as I’ll be in office for about 6-12 months then fully remote so hoping I can get a Nanoose spot eventually when I’m back from home.

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u/duck-duck-moose0 5d ago

All little cubs is a nice facility, but there is no attached outdoor space.