Principal Child Care Options

Licensed, Centre-Based Child Care

Day care centres are non-residential facilities licensed to serve children of varying ages in a group-like setting.  Provincial licensing ensures minimum standards of care.  Centre-based care is offered through public organizations, and through private for profit or non-profit agencies, and can be located in a number of settings within the community: e.g. schools, workplaces.

Licensed, Home-Based Child Care

This program involves care to children during the day in individual caregivers’ homes: selected, supervised, and supported by a licensed agency.  The home of the caregiver must meet local fire, safety and health requirements.  As for the home child care staff, they ensure approved caregivers meet standards of the provincial legislation through their spot checks and regular visits.

Independent, Home-Based Child Care

Informal child care in individual caregivers’ homes.  Arrangements for care are negotiated between the caregiver and the family.  Parents, therefore, are alone in shouldering the responsibility to monitor the level of care their child receives.

Nanny Care

Child care is provided in the family’s own home by a nanny who may live in or out of the home.  Families employing nannies are regarded as formal employers with related administrative responsibilities to assume.  Provincial labour codes determine acceptable working conditions as well as the minimum wage and deductions for room and board for live-in nannies.

Other Child Care Possibilities

Nursery School

A licensed, half-day program designed mainly for children between the ages of two-and-a-half and five years old.  The main advantage of this type of care is that it provides an opportunity to socialize with other children of the same age, and offers a good transitional experience into the school system.

Blended Child Care Arrangement

Child care is provided through a combination of options.  This arrangement may involve any one of the options defined above, including care provided by a relative, in addition to another child care arrangement, such as a nursery school.

Resource Centre

Offers a variety of services to help families and caregivers care for young children.  Services may include but are not limited to this list: playgroups, toy lending libraries, book lending libraries and video lending libraries, workshops and counseling.