The differences between licensed and unlicensed childcare providers.

The childcare industry has been one of the most heavily impacted industries during the COVID-19 pandemic. During its peak, parents pulled their children from childcare and preschool/afterschool programs due to concerns about spread of the virus, most schools moved to virtual or remote learning, and the “new normal” for many meant working from home.

As the worst of the COVID pandemic now recedes, governments throughout Canada have emphasized that childcare is an essential part of each province’s economic recovery. Many parents may have difficulty returning to work if they cannot find childcare options that meet their family’s needs.

Choosing quality childcare options for your family is a particularly important decision. You want to find a safe, healthy environment that supports the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and creative development of your child.

Licensed Childcare Providers

In Alberta, the Early Learning and Child Care Act recognizes two types of childcare: licensed and unlicensed.

Licensed childcare includes facility-based programs, such as daycare, out-of-school care, and preschool. The Alberta government monitors and inspects these types of childcare centers to ensure they are meeting health, safety, and program quality standards as required under the Early Learning and Child Care Act. Licensed childcares also include home-based educators who can be licensed to offer childcare for up to six children (not including their own). These family day home educators are recruited and trained by licensed family day home agencies to offer childcare in their own home. They are also provided with a network of resources, training, and assistance and monitor each program to ensure they are meeting health, safety, and program quality standards required under the Family Day Home standards and the Early Learning and Child Care Act.

Some specific regulations licensed childcares must follow include additional health and facilities licensing if they provide meals, solely hiring staff with educational background in early learning and childcare, and adequate staffing at all times relative to the age of the children attending the center or program. Licensed programs must also inform parents of any licensing inspection reports or changes to their license conditions.

Unlicensed Childcare Providers

On the other hand, unlicensed childcare programs include nannies, private day homes, or trusted individuals such as friends, neighbors, or family members. They can also provide childcare for up to six children (not including the provider’s own). Unlicensed childcare providers are not monitored by the Alberta government or licensed agencies. However, the government can investigate complaints about unlicensed childcare providers under certain circumstances, including when there are too many children in the home or program or if a concern that is an imminent threat exists to the health, safety, or welfare of any child.

Deciding on A Licensed or Unlicensed Care Provider

As you consider what’s best for your child and family, make a list of your options and the pros and cons of each. Consider whether you are open to or prefer the option of in-home care, either through the services of a nanny who comes to your home, or childcare provided by a neighbor or friend in their home. You may even prefer the extra assurance of licensing and inspection requirements and focus your childcare search on licensed facilities and programs instead.

It is helpful to obtain childcare referrals from family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Ask about their specific experience with the childcare provider you are considering.  Depending on your child’s specific needs, you may also wish to contact local Indigenous or disability organizations to find out more information on options.

A new resource is Truffle, the one-stop online platform to find trusted childcare facilities for drop-in or long-term services. It’s easy-to-use and can help you find the childcare facility that will best suit your child’s needs and your expectations. (To learn more and sign up for early access, click HERE.

A final thing to note is that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alberta government has taken steps to help ensure that licensed childcare programs are as safe as possible for children, their families, and staff. They have developed health guidance for licensed facility and home-based programs which outline the requirements for enhanced sanitization and safe daily operations. Many unlicensed providers have been following these same guidelines. Therefore, despite which option you decide to go with, know that you and your child’s health is still a priority as we transition from the peak of the pandemic and begin to go back to seeking childcare options. You can learn more about these requirements HERE.

Your children are precious and you only want what’s best for them. Truffle’s mission is to offer parents access to high quality, safe childcare services that will provide the best care to children and peace of mind to parents. For more information and to sign up for early access visit Truffle.ca.

Author: The Truffle Team