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Part of Parents and families

Choose quality childcare

Learn what to look for when selecting a childcare program to support your child’s development, safety and well-being.

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Parents and families

Overview

Knowing what quality childcare looks like is a critical part of choosing the right provider for your family. This page outlines what to consider when making your choice.

Quality childcare

Quality childcare provides a nurturing, engaging and developmentally appropriate environment where children can thrive. In Alberta, licensed programs must meet requirements of the Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulation, as well as the Family Day Home Standards. Licensed programs are monitored for health, safety and quality and have certified early childhood educators who support children through play-based learning, helping them build foundational skills for lifelong success.

  • Signs of quality childcare

    As outlined in the Act, licensed childcare must reflect the following principles:

    • children’s safety, well-being and development must be supported and preserved
    • childcare should be flexible and accessible, supporting family choice
    • parent and community engagement strengthen child development

    Providers must also consider:

    • care and play experiences that support development and learning
    • protection from abuse, punishment and emotional deprivation
    • respect for diverse backgrounds, abilities and family circumstances
    • recognition of Indigenous or other cultural, linguistic and spiritual heritage
    • care that is appropriate to each child’s developmental stage
    • ongoing family involvement and accountability

  • Child guidance

    ‘Child guidance’ refers to the approach and methods a childcare program uses to teach children the behaviours and skills they need to:

    • develop healthy self-esteem
    • learn respect for themselves and others
    • reduce the frequency and severity of negative behaviours
    • build executive function and self-regulation skills to manage potential stressors

    Positive child guidance gives children a sense of security and protection and creates safe and appropriate environments. A licence holder must ensure that child guidance methods used in the program are communicated to parents, staff and children where developmentally appropriate and that any child guidance provided is reasonable in the circumstances.

  • Program plans

    A program plan is a detailed document licensed providers must complete to demonstrate how they offer quality care. It outlines the program’s philosophy and approach to early learning and child development, as well as:

    • daily routines and activities
    • use of indoor and outdoor play space
    • access to community resources
    • parent involvement
    • staffing plans
    • policies and procedures
    • how program outcomes are evaluated

    Ask providers to share their program plan with you. It can help you understand how the provider creates a safe, responsive and enriching environment for your child.

Checklist for visiting a childcare program

Illustration of a clipboard with a simple checklist over a light blue background

You have the right to be as informed as possible when choosing a childcare provider. Providers should be open about their programming, health and safety standards, licensing status and staff certifications. When evaluating a childcare program, it is best to visit them in person. Use the checklist below to help with your assessment:

Read the checklist

Each childcare program may have their own policies and procedures. Review any contract or agreement carefully so you understand exact terms like notice periods, optional fees and refund policies.

Alberta Approved Family Day Homes logo

If you are visiting a family day home, the red smiling door logo below indicates the provider is approved by a licensed agency. Note that it is still important to look for signs of quality care.

Inclusive childcare

Inclusive Child Care Program

Alberta provides supports for licensed programs caring for children with additional needs. The Inclusive Child Care Program arranges consultation, coaching and training to support educators working in licensed childcare programs. It helps them adapt programming and environments, use inclusive practices and access specialized supports. Speak with your provider to learn how they support inclusion in their program.

Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)

The FSCD program offered by the ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services, provides support to children with disabilities and their families. Services include information and referrals, as well as funding for a wide range of supports based on individual needs. Learn more about the program and eligibility criteria at Family Support for Children with Disabilities. Note that FSCD applications take time to process.

Get involved

Staying involved in your child’s care is important. You and your childcare provider are partners working together to support your child’s healthy development. Some ways to get involved include:

  • share your thoughts, suggestions or concerns
  • volunteer for a special event or celebration
  • join the group on your child’s birthday
  • volunteer to read a story or do an activity with the group
  • talk with your child’s educator regularly either in person or through email
  • ask your child about their day
  • share information about special events with your child’s provider, such as family visits, family vacations, cultural events and traditions or a change in your family
  • ask the centre or family day home agency if there is a parent advisory committee

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