You have the Vision. We have the Roadmap.

Open your own licensed child care centre in Ontario — with expert guidance at every step.

Turn your dream of owning a licensed daycare centre into reality.

Little Larks Consulting helps entrepreneurs, educators, and investors navigate licensing, operations, and CWELCC funding — so you can open with confidence.

Opening a licensed child care centre in Ontario is complex.

You need zoning approval, health and fire inspections, a qualified supervisor, policies for everything from anaphylaxis to sleep safety, and a successful application through the Child Care Licensing System (CCLS). Then there is the CWELCC funding agreement, municipal approvals, and the reality of operating under the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).

One missing document. One missed deadline. One misunderstood regulation. And your opening is delayed by months.

You should not have to figure this out alone.

Who Little Larks' Consulting is for

Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) ready to own their own centre

Entrepreneurs and investors looking to enter the licensed childcare sector

Existing unlicensed providers who want to become fully licensed

Community groups and non-profits expanding into regulated childcare

Our Consulting Services

We Do Not Run Your Centre. We Help You Get Licensed, Established, and Operate It.

This is consulting, not franchising. You own your business. You keep your profits. You make your own decisions. We simply guide you through the hard parts — so you avoid costly mistakes and open faster.

Licensing & Site Selection

Policy & Operation Guidelines

Daycare Center Design & Layout

CWELCC & Funding Enrollment

Why Choose Little Larks Consulting?

We Have Done This Before. Successfully.

Little Larks is already a licensed home child care agency in Ottawa. We understand how the Ministry of Education operates. We know what inspectors look for. We have navigated the Child Care Licensing System, the CCEYA, and the CWELCC funding maze.

Now we are putting that expertise to work for center-based entrepreneurs.

What makes us different:

We are licensed operators, not generic business consultants. We give you real advice based on Ontario regulations — not theory.
We focus on center-based childcare. This is not a side service. It is a core part of what we do.
We do not take equity, royalties, or ownership. Your center is yours.
We are local. Based in Ottawa. Familiar with Ottawa's zoning, priority neighborhoods, and municipal processes.

The Licensing Process – What We Guide You Through

How Long Does It Take? Typically 4–6 months from start to lisence.

What We Help You With:

Incorporating your business
Finding a location that meets zoning, building code, and fire code
Securing health approvals under the Health Protection and Promotion Act
Developing all policies required by Ontario Regulation 137/15
Hiring a qualified supervisor (RECE in good standing)
Completing and submitting your CCLS application
Preparing for the pre-licensing inspection
Applying for CWELCC funding through the City of Ottawa
Setting up your parent fee structure under the price caps
Opening your doors with confidence

We do not submit applications for you (only you can do that as the prospective licensee). But we make sure you submit everything correctly — the first time.

Client Success Pathway (Step-by-Step)

1. Discovery Call

We learn about your vision, your experience, and your timeline. We explain how we can help.

2. Proposal & Contract

We send you a tailored consulting proposal with fixed pricing. You sign a simple Master Services Agreement.

3. Kickoff & Assessment

We review your current situation — location, budget, experience, timeline. We create a custom roadmap.

4. Guided Execution

We meet weekly (virtual or in person). You complete tasks. We review everything before you submit.

5. Licence Granted

The Ministry issues your licence. You are ready to open.

6. Ongoing Support (optional)

Have a question six months after opening? We are still here.

Ready to Open Your Licensed Child Care Centre?

Do not navigate the licensing maze alone. Let Little Larks Consulting be your guide.

Contact: care@littlelarks.ca

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this a franchise?

No. We do not charge royalties, take equity, or control your business. You own your centre. You make your own decisions. We are your paid advisor — nothing more.

Q: Do I have to be a Little Larks home provider to use consulting services?

No. Our consulting services are available to anyone in Ontario, regardless of whether you work with our home agency.

Q: Can you guarantee I will get my license?

No reputable consultant can guarantee a licence. The Ministry of Education makes the final decision. What we guarantee is that you will submit a complete, compliant, professionally prepared application — and that you will be fully prepared for inspection.

Q: Do you help with CWELCC funding?

Yes. The CWELCC package is one of our core offerings. We guide you through municipal applications, budget planning, price cap compliance, and audit preparation.

Q: What is your background?

Little Larks is a licensed home child care agency in Ottawa. We are active, licensed operators under the CCEYA. We understand Ontario's child care regulations from real, daily experience.

Q: Where do you serve?

We are based in Ottawa and are experts in Ottawa's municipal processes. However, we can consult on Ontario-wide licensing requirements.

Disclaimer: Little Larks Consulting provides advisory services only. We are not a law firm, and we do not provide legal advice. All licensing decisions rest with the Ministry of Education. Clients are responsible for their own applications, compliance, and operations.

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