Childcare Options in Edmonton and Beyond

01/12/2015

Thinking of childcare options for your new bundle of joy?? It’s never too early to start looking! Here are some options we can look at, and what these options mean to you and your family.
First, let’s define some commonly used terms in childcare:
Day home: A provider operates a family day home out of their own home. There are private day homes (operated solely by the individual providing care out of their own home) and approved family day homes ( operated by the day home provider, but monitored through an accredited agency, so specific standards have to be met, such as ensuring that meal plans are being posted and followed, daily programming is posted, and so on. Day homes that operate through an agency expect surprise visits and inspections are done throughout the year to ensure certain guidelines are being followed). Usually day homes operate year around, with set hours each day, sometimes a bit more flexible than daycares for earlier drop off and pick-ups (but not always!)
Daycare: Daycares are plentiful in cities and outlying areas. Daycares are either privately owned by an individual, or run as a non-profit setup, run by a board of directors (day to day operations of the center are handled by a paid director/assistant director). Daycares in Alberta need to be licensed. To be licensed, daycares are subject to following specific guidelines set forth by Alberta Childcare Services, and enforced by licensing officers, who make bi-yearly inspections). Daycare centers can also be, or be in the process, of being accredited though the government. Accreditation means that these centers are licensed, plus strive to adhere to an even more stringent set of guidelines set forth by the accreditation standards group.
Nanny: There are a couple of options for this type of care. Some families like the idea of having a nanny live with them in their house. The family provides a room for the nanny, then pays the nanny a monthly salary, minus room and board. This usually works out to around $1950 a month, minus the room and board. It varies depending on if the family is using an agency to hire their nanny, if they are sponsoring their nanny to come over from overseas, and also can depend on the number of children, hours of care and so on. If working with an agency, usually the agency provides all the paperwork needed, including copies of contracts. The other option for this type of childcare would be a live-out nanny, someone who provides childcare for the family, but lives outside of the family home. Rates for this type of childcare vary greatly, and depend often on the childcare provider’s experience, the number of children requiring care, hours of work, job expectations (is cleaning, cooking required) and so on.
Finding a scenario that works for your family may take time! Be patient, and explore all your options. Think of convenience for your family, proximity of care to your place(s) of work, cost, and experience of the caregiver. When visiting childcare centers or day homes, and when interviewing potential candidates for a nanny position, don’t be scared to come with many questions in hand! Ask about staffing ratios, staff certification (as well as first-aid certification), meals, nap times (and what happens if your child doesn’t nap), outside time, fundraising (if any required). If visiting a daycare or accredited day home, don’t be scared to ask to see their last licensing inspection report. Ask for references from current/past families who have attended the centre or day home. For nannies, ask for references from previous families for who they have provided care. Ask what a day looks like at the place of care (even if it will be your own home!). Ask friends and families for referrals! Most importantly, go with your gut! Select a place based on how comfortable you feel, and how your child seems to react to the setting, and the caregivers there.

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/family-community/child-care.html This is the link to the Government of Alberta Human Services Childcare Services page. Here you will find a lookup tool for licensed childcare facilities in your area, family day home information, childcare subsidy and so on!
http://www.dayhomeregistry.com/ A great resource when looking for day homes in Edmonton. Has both approved and private day home listing by area! Lists providers details and contact info
http://www.canadiannanny.ca Is a site used by many families (and founded by a local Edmonton mom) to find local nannies. Provides access to information on candidates looking for both live-in and live-out positions. Families seeking childcare providers pay a monthly fee to access contact information for applicants.

~Ally Kothari is a former daycare director/preschool teacher/early learning specialist, and the director of Mommy Connections West Edmonton