Opening a Child Care Centre?
In which area do you want to
open a childcare center?
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Daycare with esiKidz
- Research Regulations: In Alberta, daycare centers are regulated by the Child Care Licensing Act and Child Care Licensing Regulation. Familiarize yourself with these to understand the requirements.
- Contact Alberta Children’s Services: They can provide specific guidelines and requirements for opening a daycare in Alberta.
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- Market Research: Assess the demand for childcare services in your area.
- Financial Planning: Include budgeting for startup costs, ongoing expenses, and revenue projections.
- Services Planning: Decide on the age range of children you will cater to, operating hours, and any special programs.
- Application: Submit a licensing application to the Alberta Children’s Services.
- Inspections: Your facility will be inspected for compliance with health, safety, and staffing regulations.
- Criminal Record Checks: Required for all staff and anyone who has unsupervised access to children.
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- Child-Friendly Environment: Create a safe, stimulating, and age-appropriate environment.
- Purchase Necessary Equipment: This includes educational materials, toys, furniture, and safety equipment.
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- Qualifications: Ensure your staff meet the qualifications as per Alberta’s childcare worker certification guide.
- Professional Development: Encourage ongoing training and education in early childhood development.
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- Develop Policies: Create policies covering enrollment, fees, operational hours, health and safety, nutrition, and parent involvement.
- Emergency Procedures: Develop and document emergency and evacuation procedures.
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Information and Assistance: Include information about the subsidy in your parent handbook or information package. Offer assistance to parents in understanding if they are eligible and how to apply for the subsidy.
Liaison with Alberta Children’s Services: Maintain a relationship with Alberta Children’s Services to stay updated on any changes in the subsidy program.
Communication with Parents: Regularly communicate with parents about any changes in the subsidy program that might affect them.
Fee Structure: Your fee structure should account for the possibility that some families will be receiving subsidies. Be clear about how the subsidy impacts the fees they owe.
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Regular Safety Checks: Ensure ongoing compliance with health and safety standards.
Hygiene Practices: Implement and maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
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Promotional Activities: Utilize online platforms, community bulletin boards, and local networks to advertise your services.
Community Engagement: Host open houses or community events to showcase your facility.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Daycare with esiKidz
- Research BC Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the BC Child Care Licensing Regulation. Understand the requirements for staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, facility standards, health and safety, and programming.
- Contact Local Authorities: Reach out to the Community Care Facilities Licensing (CCFL) office for detailed guidance and any region-specific requirements.
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- Market Analysis: Conduct research to understand the demand for childcare services in your chosen area.
- Financial Planning: Include budgeting for startup costs, ongoing expenses, and projected income.
- Operational Strategy: Outline your daycare’s structure, services, hours of operation, and enrollment strategies.
- Application Submission: Complete and submit the licensing application to the CCFL office, including all required documentation.
- Facility Inspection: Prepare for and pass a facility inspection conducted by the licensing board to ensure compliance with all regulations.
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- Safe and Stimulating Environment: Ensure the facility is safe, secure, and equipped with age-appropriate furniture and educational materials.
- Compliance with Standards: Design the space to meet BC’s regulatory standards for space, lighting, ventilation, and outdoor play areas.
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- Qualified Personnel: Recruit staff with the necessary qualifications as mandated by BC regulations, including Early Childhood Educators.
- Training and Development: Provide staff with training in child development, emergency procedures, and any specific methodologies you plan to implement.
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- Policies and Procedures: Develop comprehensive policies covering enrollment, health and safety, nutrition, parent involvement, and emergency procedures.
- Inclusive Practices: Ensure policies support inclusivity and diversity.
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- Understand the Subsidy: Learn about the BC Childcare Subsidy program, including eligibility criteria and application processes.
- Assist Families: Create a system to assist families in applying for the subsidy and integrate this information into your enrollment and financial policies.
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- Safety First: Establish and enforce strict health and safety protocols in line with BC regulations. This includes cleanliness, first aid, food safety, and emergency preparedness.
- Regular Training: Conduct regular safety drills and training sessions for staff.
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- Branding and Promotion: Develop a marketing strategy that highlights your daycare’s unique features, programs, and the benefits of the childcare subsidy.
- Community Engagement: Utilize local networks, social media, and community events to promote your daycare.
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Process for opening a new child care centre in Saskatchewan
The Government of Saskatchewan offers funding to licensed child care facilities to reduce out-of-pocket fees for parents. Proposals for developing new licensed child care centre spaces are accepted from various groups like parent groups, non-profit corporations, co-operatives, and municipalities. It’s important to note that all child care centres in Saskatchewan must be licensed by the Early Years branch of the Ministry of Education
To start a child care centre, you need to:
- Determine the child care need in your community and be aware of other existing learning and care services.
- Ensure that your agency is incorporated, as child care centre operators must be incorporated to be eligible for funding.
- Complete and submit a Community Needs Assessment form to your regional Program Manager, which helps identify your community’s child care needs
Submit an application package
Family Child Care Home Application🔗
Criminal Record Check🔗, including a Vulnerable Sector Check🔗, for you and anyone 18 years of age or older living in your home. Visit your local police service to apply for a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check.
After applying, proposals are placed on a space development request list with other applicants. When funding becomes available, this list is used to approve funding for new developments. However, not all proposals can be approved immediately. Those with the potential to provide quality service and become operational within a reasonable timeframe may be considered for approval, while others remain on the list for future consideration