The Canadian child day care sector has experienced substantial growth in employment over the past two decades, reflecting the increasing demand for childcare services driven by dual-income households and policy supports for early childhood education.
Employment Growth Highlights
- Overall Increase: Employment in child day care services in Canada grew from 69,503 employees in 2001 to 190,287 in 2024, nearly tripling in just over 20 years.
- Strong Growth Periods: The sector saw consistent annual growth between 2001 and 2019, averaging 4-5% annually, with a peak growth of 7% in 2016.
- Pandemic Impact: In 2020, employment declined sharply by 14%, dropping to 127,642, reflecting the severe impact of COVID-19 restrictions on daycare operations.
- Post-Pandemic Recovery: The sector rebounded strongly, with 14% growth in 2021, followed by 11% in 2022, highlighting a swift recovery.
- Current Standing: In 2024, employment reached 190,287, a 9% increase from 2023, indicating sustained demand for childcare services as more families return to work and policies support affordable childcare.
Number of People Employed in Child Care Services in Canada (2001-2024)
| Year | Total Employees in Child Day Care Services | Growth YoY |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 69,503 | |
| 2002 | 73,163 | 5% |
| 2003 | 76,733 | 5% |
| 2004 | 79,980 | 4% |
| 2005 | 83,069 | 4% |
| 2006 | 86,759 | 4% |
| 2007 | 90,765 | 5% |
| 2008 | 95,222 | 5% |
| 2009 | 98,064 | 3% |
| 2010 | 100,999 | 3% |
| 2011 | 105,683 | 5% |
| 2012 | 111,469 | 5% |
| 2013 | 115,584 | 4% |
| 2014 | 118,532 | 3% |
| 2015 | 124,164 | 5% |
| 2016 | 132,504 | 7% |
| 2017 | 133,954 | 1% |
| 2018 | 141,452 | 6% |
| 2019 | 148,382 | 5% |
| 2020 | 127,642 | -14% |
| 2021 | 145,755 | 14% |
| 2022 | 162,285 | 11% |
| 2023 | 174,411 | 7% |
| 2024 | 190,287 | 9% |
Source:
Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0202-01 Employment by industry, annual
Recent Comments