Navigating the landscape of child care in Alberta can be complex, especially when it comes to establishing a compliant and thriving program. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Alberta Child Care Program Plan, focusing on licensing requirements, regulations, and essential resources for both facility-based and family day home programs. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for anyone looking to provide quality early learning and child care services in Alberta.
Understanding Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Framework
Alberta’s commitment to high-quality early learning and child care is underpinned by the Early Learning and Child Care Act and its associated regulations. These legislative instruments set the standards for licensed child care programs, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children. A key aspect of operating legally and effectively is understanding when a licence is required and what the licensing process entails.
Generally, if you are planning to operate a child care program in Alberta that cares for 7 or more children, you will need a licence. However, there are specific exceptions to this rule. Licensing is typically not required for:
- Programs within group homes, foster homes, or other residential care settings.
- Services operating under the Education Act, such as school programs.
- Short-term recreational programs like day camps or vacation camps that run for less than 12 consecutive weeks annually.
- Situational child supervision at recreational facilities, retail centers, or commercial establishments where parents remain on-site and immediately accessible.
For all other child care programs exceeding the threshold of 7 children, adherence to the Early Learning and Child Care Act (https://open.alberta.ca/publications/e00p1) and Regulation (https://open.alberta.ca/publications/2008_143) is mandatory. These documents outline the minimum standards necessary to ensure the well-being, safety, and developmental needs of children in care are comprehensively met.
Child Care Connect: Your Central Resource
For all inquiries related to child care licensing, applications, and general guidance, Child Care Connect is your primary point of contact. This dedicated service, provided by Jobs, Economy and Trade, licenses and monitors child care facilities, and handles enforcement actions to maintain standards across Alberta.
If you have questions about navigating the Alberta child care system, or need assistance finding child care options, Child Care Connect offers toll-free support at 1-844-644-5165. This service is accessible in over 100 languages, ensuring broad accessibility for all Albertans.
Facility-Based Child Care Licences: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those seeking to operate a facility-based child care program, obtaining the correct licence is the first critical step.
How to Apply for a Facility-Based Licence
Initiating the licensing process is straightforward. Begin by contacting Child Care Connect at 1-844-644-5165. They will provide detailed information on the licensing process and send you a comprehensive child care licensing application package. This initial contact is essential to understanding the specific requirements and timelines involved in your application.
The Child Care Licensing Handbook: Your Essential Guide
The Child Care Licensing Handbook: Facility-based Programs is an indispensable resource for anyone applying for or managing a facility-based child care program. This handbook offers detailed guidance on:
- Licence Application and Renewal: Step-by-step instructions for submitting your initial application and subsequent renewals.
- Inspection and Monitoring: Understanding the processes involved in inspections and ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance.
- Key Terminology: Clarification of terms used within the Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulation.
- Appeals and Disputes: Information on how to appeal or dispute licensing decisions if necessary.
- Incident Reporting: Guidelines and procedures for reporting incidents within your child care program.
- General Licensing Assistance: Additional information to support you throughout the licensing journey.
It is important to remember that while the handbook is a comprehensive guide, it does not supersede the official Early Learning and Child Care Act or Regulation. Always refer to the official legislative documents for definitive requirements. You can also find necessary forms, checklists, and templates related to child care licensing, often linked within the handbook or on the related government webpages.
Essential Application Forms for Facility-Based Programs
When preparing your application package for a facility-based child care licence, several key forms are required. These forms are typically available as fillable PDFs, though it’s advisable to check compatibility with your device and browser, referring to the step-by-step guide if needed, or contacting PDF form technical support for assistance.
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Application for an Early Learning and Child Care Licence or Family Day Home Agency: This is the main application form for both new licences and renewals. It gathers essential information about the applicant, the type of child care program being proposed, and includes a checklist of all required documentation.
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Program plan (facility-based programs): This form outlines the required components of your program plan, including staffing plans and administrative policies and procedures. Developing a robust program plan is a central aspect of demonstrating your readiness to operate a high-quality child care service.
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Child Care Subsidy Grant Application form: If your program intends to receive subsidy payments on behalf of eligible parents or guardians, this funding agreement with Jobs, Economy and Trade is necessary. Please note: The Child Care Subsidy Grant is scheduled to end for children up to kindergarten age attending child care during regular school hours as of March 31, 2025. This change does not affect subsidy for out-of-school care programs.
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Application for EFT Direct Deposit (CAD): To facilitate the payment of eligible funding, such as wage top-ups and subsidies, you will need to provide your financial details via this direct deposit application.
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The Certification Guide for Staff: This guide provides essential information regarding staff certification requirements and procedures for early childhood educators in Alberta.
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Infant Care Incentive Parent Statement of Acknowledgement form: If you are providing care for infants and receiving infant care incentive funding, this form is used to notify parents of this funding arrangement.
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Collateral information: As detailed in Step 5 of the Child Care Licensing Handbook for facility-based programs, you will also need to obtain and submit required health, municipal, and safety approvals as part of your application.
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Early Learning and Child Care Act and Early Learning and Child Care Regulation: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with these foundational documents, which outline the minimum standards that all licensed programs must meet.
For any questions or to request an application package via email, you can contact Child Care Connect.
Licence Holder Information Sessions
First-time applicants for a facility-based licence are required to attend an information session offered by Children’s Services before a licence can be issued. For corporate applicants, designated corporate directors are also expected to participate. Proof of attendance at this session is a mandatory part of the licensing process. These sessions provide invaluable insights into the licensing process, the Act, and the associated regulations, ensuring new licence holders are well-prepared.
Family Day Home Agency Licences: Key Considerations
The licensing process for Family Day Home Agencies differs slightly from facility-based programs, reflecting the unique structure of these agencies.
How to Apply for a Family Day Home Agency Licence
Applications for new Family Day Home Agency licences are considered based on the Alberta government’s identified need for additional agencies. To inquire about the application intake schedule and process, you should contact Child Care Connect.
Child Care Licensing Handbook for Family Day Home Agencies
The Child Care Licensing Handbook: Family Day Home Agencies is the primary guide for understanding the licensing and operational requirements for family day home agencies. It provides guidance on:
- Licence Application and Renewal: Procedures for applying for and renewing agency licences.
- Inspection and Monitoring: How licensed agencies and their associated family day home programs are inspected and monitored for compliance.
- Terminology: Definitions of key terms within the Act and Regulation relevant to family day home agencies.
- Appeals and Disputes: Processes for appealing or disputing licensing decisions.
- Incident Reporting: Requirements for reporting incidents within agency-managed family day homes.
This handbook is a crucial resource, but it is important to note that it works in conjunction with the Act, Regulation, and the Family Day Home Standards Manual for Alberta. Always consult these primary documents for definitive standards and requirements.
Application Package for Family Day Home Agencies
Similar to facility-based programs, family day home agencies require a specific application package.
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Application for an Early Learning and Child Care Licence or Family Day Home Agency: This same main application form is used by both facility-based programs and family day home agencies for new applications and renewals.
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Early Learning and Child Care Act, Early Learning and Child Care Regulation, and Family Day Home Standards Manual for Alberta: Agencies must adhere to the standards set out in the Early Learning and Child Care Act, Early Learning and Child Care Regulation and the Family Day Home Standards Manual for Alberta. These documents collectively define the operational requirements for licensed family day home agencies and the individual family day homes operating under their umbrella.
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Family Day Home Agency Program Plan Template: This template assists agencies in outlining their program plans, including staffing and administrative policies and procedures specific to agency operations.
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Child Care Subsidy Grant Application form: Agencies seeking to administer subsidy benefits on behalf of eligible families will need to complete this funding agreement. Remember: The Child Care Subsidy Grant changes effective March 31, 2025, for kindergarten-age children in regular school hours, but not for out-of-school care.
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Application for EFT Direct Deposit (CAD): For receiving subsidy and other eligible payments, agencies must submit their financial information using this form.
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Infant Care Incentive Parent Statement of Acknowledgement form: Similar to facility-based programs, this form is required when agencies receive infant care incentive funding for spaces provided to infants in family day homes.
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Collateral information: Refer to Step 5 of the Child Care Licensing Handbook for Family Day Home Agencies for details on required documentation of approvals.
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Family Day Home Standards Manual: This manual (https://open.alberta.ca/publications/family-day-home-standards-manual-for-alberta) is critical, containing the specific standards for operating both the licensed agency and the individual family day home programs contracted with the agency.
Family Day Home Contracts: Recent Updates
New contract frameworks for licensed family day home agencies were introduced by the government, effective January 1, 2025. Agencies should consult the FDH Agency Contract Factsheet for detailed information on these changes.
Essential Forms and Templates for Licensed Programs
Both facility-based programs and family day home agencies utilize specific forms for various operational needs.
Forms Applicable to Both Program Types
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New Incident Report Form for Programs: Licence holders are mandated to report serious illnesses, injuries, or any incidents that could significantly impact a child’s health or safety. Reports must be submitted to the local Children’s Services licensing office within two days of the incident.
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Licence Holder Request for Variation of a Licence: This form is used to request a variation to the terms of an existing licence.
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Early Learning and Child Care Regulation Exemption Request: Use this form to request exemptions from specific aspects of the Early Learning and Child Care Regulation.
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Notice of Appeal Form: If you wish to appeal a licence refusal or an enforcement decision, this form is required. Further information on the appeal process is available at appeal a decision.
Forms Specific to Family Day Home Agencies
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Family Day Home Program Complaint Record: Agencies use this to document complaints related to family day home programs and their resolutions.
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Family Day Home Program Initial Screening Checklist: This checklist is used during the initial screening of potential family day home educators.
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Family Day Home Program Profile: Agencies utilize program profiles to help families find a suitable family day home program that meets their needs and preferences.
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Family Day Home Program Profile Sharing of Information Acknowledgement: This form is used to obtain consent from family day home educators to share their program profile information with families.
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Licensed Family Day Home Agency Home Visitor/Consultant Checklist: Agencies use this checklist during home visits to family day home programs to assess compliance with the Family Day Home Standards.
Becoming a Family Day Home Educator
For individuals interested in providing child care in their own residence for 6 or fewer children under the oversight of a licensed agency, a different process applies. Detailed information can be found at Become a family day home educator.
Contact Information for Child Care Connect
For submitting initial licensing applications, fees, and variance requests, please use the following contact details:
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
Child Care Connect
J.G.O ‘Donoghue Building, 2nd Floor
7000 113 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6
Please note that courier and in-person drop-offs are not available.
For general inquiries about applying for and receiving a child care licence, connect with Child Care Connect:
Toll free: 1-844-644-5165
