Child Care Provider FAQ's

• I have many resources that I have collected over the years but I feel like I am in a rut and using the same things all the time with the children. Do you know where I can get my hands on some new materials and ideas to share with the children? Your help is much appreciated!
• In the fall I am thinking about caring for 3 kids for a couple of friends of mine. I have two children of my own. Can I legally look after these 3 other children?
• Why should I bother getting licensed, I only want to care for two or three children?
• Why should I take a child care course to care for children? I have already raised my own family.

Child Care Options Early Childhood Resource Library has a good variety of books, activities and theme boxes available for loan to its subscribers. Come in and have a look at our library or view our materials online. Click here for library hours and information on how to become a subscriber.

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You can care for two children not related to you by blood or marriage, (plus your own) at any given time without a child care license. The only time you could care for more than two children other than your own is if they are a sibling group from one family. For information on becoming a Licensed Not Required Child Care Provider registered with Child Care Options please call 604-572-8032 or go to Become a Member. For information on opening a licensed family child care please call enquiry BC at 604-660-2421 (in the lower mainland) and toll free at 1-800-663-7867 (elsewhere in BC) and ask for the local health authority in your area. Or go to www.healthplanning.gov.bc.ca/ccf/child/index.html

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Anyone providing care for 3 or more children, not related to them by blood or marriage, is required by law to become licensed. If someone cares for 3 or more children without a license, they are operating illegally. By operating illegally, it may invalidate the liability insurance coverage and you could be fined!

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Having raised a family will certainly be good experience for caring for children. However, providing child care in your home is a business unlike any other. To be successful in providing quality child care services many skills are required. Managing a home based business; partnerships with client families; health & safety all require the development of policies and procedures. It is important to have current information on children?s development and planning age appropriate activities for a multi age grouping.

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