Nanny vs Daycare in Regina SK — Pros, Cons & CWELCC Impact | Daisy Days

For many Regina SK families, the choice between a nanny and licensed daycare is one of the most consequential childcare decisions they’ll make. Both options have genuine advantages — but the introduction of CWELCC has significantly shifted the cost equation, making licensed daycare far more competitive than it was just a few years ago.

Cost Comparison: Nanny vs Licensed Daycare in Regina SK (2026)

Childcare Option	Estimated Monthly Cost	CWELCC Eligible?
Full-time nanny (live-out)	$3,000–$5,000+/month	No
Nanny share (2 families)	$1,500–$2,500/family	No
Licensed daycare (full-fee)	$900–$1,400/month	No (full fee)
Licensed CWELCC daycare (Daisy Days)	~$200/month (~$10/day)	✅ Yes

The CWELCC program has fundamentally changed this comparison. A licensed daycare that previously cost $1,000–$1,400/month now costs approximately $200/month — making it dramatically more affordable than any nanny option.

Child Development: Nanny vs Licensed Daycare

Arguments for a nanny: One-to-one attention, home environment, schedule flexibility, no group illness exposure, and continuity of care in familiar surroundings.

Arguments for licensed daycare: Peer socialization (critical for social-emotional development), ECE-certified professionals, play-based group curriculum, structured routines that build executive function, provincial oversight and accountability, and — now with CWELCC — cost savings of $2,000–$4,000/month compared to a nanny.

Research on child development outcomes shows that quality licensed group care produces equivalent or superior developmental outcomes to one-to-one nanny care — particularly for social-emotional development and peer relationship skills, which cannot be replicated at home with a single caregiver.

Practical Factors to Consider

• Reliability: A nanny calling in sick leaves you without care; licensed daycare maintains staffing continuity
• Regulation: Nannies are not provincially regulated; licensed daycares are subject to regular inspections
• Tax implications: Employing a nanny creates payroll obligations (CPP, EI, income tax); daycare fees are deductible under the Child Care Expense Deduction
• CWELCC: Only licensed daycare qualifies — nannies do not reduce fees to $10/day

Making the Switch from Nanny to Licensed Daycare in Regina SK

Many Regina SK families who previously used nannies have transitioned to licensed daycare as CWELCC has made the cost equation clear. If you’re considering making this switch, contact Daisy Days Daycare to discuss availability and a gradual transition plan.

306-807-3233 | info@daisydaysdaycare.com | 2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina SK S4V 2E5