In order to operate a child care facility to provide care, supervision or lodging
to four or more people, a license is required by the Social
Care Facilities Licensing Act. The Child
Care Regulation provides a set of minimum standards that must be met in
day care facilities prior to a license being issued. These standards are intended
to ensure the health, safety and well being of children.
The Day Care Regulation defines types of Day Care Facilities as:
- Day Care Centre - Provides care for seven or more children under the age of
seven years for more than three but less than 24 consecutive hours in a day.
- Drop-in Centre - Provides care for seven or more children for more than three but
less than 24 consecutive hours in a day but no child can be cared for more
than 40 hours in one month.
- Nursery School - Provides care for seven or more children for less than three consecutive
hours in a day.
In each case, the facility operates for 12 or more consecutive weeks.
It is recommended that license applicants become fully aware of all requirements
to operate a day care facility prior to committing to space or registering children.
For detailed information on the licensing process, please refer to the
Guidelines
For Obtaining a Day Care Facility License document.
Eligibility
Prior to obtaining a license, an applicant must provide evidence of having
met the requirements of the following legislation:
- Social Care Facilities Licensing Act and Day Care Regulation
- Fire Prevention Act and Regulation
- Public Health Act and Regulation
- Uniform Building Standards Act and Municipal By-laws for zoning/land use
Copies of the legislation are available from:
Queen's Printer Bookstore
McDougall Centre, 455-6th Street SW
Calgary, AB T2P 4E8
Phone (403) 297-6251
email: qp@gov.ab.ca
Getting Started
The process leading to a license takes a number of months so the estimated
opening date must allow sufficient time to meet all of the requirements. It
is illegal to operate a day care facility without a license. Careful attention
to the entire application process should prevent delays.
Submit a letter of intent to Child Care Services Licensing, providing a brief
overview about you, the proposed operation and service.
Next Steps
- Upon receipt of the letter of intent, Child Care Services staff will
contact you to obtain additional information on the specific requirements
to be licensed.
- When you are ready to proceed, you must submit a completed application
form and application fee. A licensing officer will be assigned to assist
you with the licensing process.
- A written service plan must be submitted for approval by Child Care Licensing
staff.
- You must obtain written approvals from Building, Health, Fire and
Zoning authorities.
- Prepare the physical setting with furnishings and equipment.
- Once the facility is prepared and all collateral approvals are in place,
contact Child Care licensing staff to inspect the facility.
- The licensing officer will recommend the license once all requirements have
been met. It is illegal to operate the facility until the license is issued
and posted.
Contact Information
For further information on Licensing contact Child Care Services at (403) 297-6100.
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