Deliver high-quality childcare

As outlined in the Early Learning and Child Care 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’ 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.

More information on child guidance can be found in these resources:

• Licensing handbook for facility-based programs
• Licensing handbook for family day home agencies
• Family Day Home Standards Manual for Alberta

Licensed childcare programs must follow public health and safety regulations. Refer to the following resources for how to keep children healthy and safe in childcare settings:

• Information for your business (see childcare links under the ‘Social Care Facilities’ drop-down menu)
• Healthy eating at early learning and childcare centres
• Food safety and licensed facility-based childcare review panel - Final report
• Health and safety guide for operators of childcare facilities
• Guide for outbreak prevention and control in childcare facilities

The Inclusive Child Care Program helps providers access consultation and training, adapt programming and environments, receive funding for specialized supports and build educator capacity to care for children with extra support needs. The program can provide up to 6 months of short-term, intensive support.

The ASaP Program, offered by Kids Included, helps licensed providers across Alberta build inclusive environments for all children. Providers receive up to 2 years of professional learning, on-site coaching and leadership development to implement sustainable inclusive practices. The program uses the Pyramid Model, an evidence-based framework for promoting healthy social-emotional development and preventing challenging behaviours in young children.

ASaP is delivered in partnership with the Government of Alberta and there is no cost to participate. To learn more, including how to apply, visit ASaP.