How Do I Become a Home Child Care Provider?
Home child care providers do not require certification in BC. However, you are usually required to complete secondary school, and may require completion of a training program in child care or a related field. First aid certification and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training may be required. A criminal record check is usually required.
The following types of home child care are available in British Columbia:
The following types of home child care are available in British Columbia:
‘License-Not-Required Child Care’ (Unlicensed home child care):
- Unlicensed home based child care for up to two children or a sibling group.
Registered ‘License-Not-Required’ Child Care (Licensed home child care):
- home based child care for up to two children or a sibling group
- must have registered with a Child Care Resource and Referral Centre CCRR
Providers must complete:
- Criminal record checks (for everyone over age 12 living in the home)
- Character references
- A home safety assessment
- First aid training
- Child care training courses or workshops
Licensed Child Care – for three or more children
Family Child Care
- Maximum 7 children, birth to 12 years old
- Must be 19 years of age or older and able to provide care and mature guidance to children
- Must have 20 hours of child care-related training, relevant work experience, a valid first aid certificate and a clear criminal record check
Education and training
Education and training
- Good Beginnings: Professional Development for Family Child Care Providers
[offered by the BC Family Child Care Association (BCFCCA)].- curriculum meets the training requirements to qualify individuals to work in child care settings for children from birth to 12 years of age, such as Family Child Care
- 36 hour program offered in locations throughout BC; also available via correspondence. The program covers children’s development & behaviour, planning for safety & emergencies, children’s nutrition and more.
- Child Care Resource & Referral – CCRC – Workshops
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRC) Programs are nonprofit community organizations available throughout BC. Many of the local CCRC offices offer education/training for home child care providers.