In Ontario, home child care providers can operate either as independent (also known as private, unlicensed, or license-not-required) or be affiliated with a licensed home child care agency. Both options are legal and all providers must follow the regulations in the Child Care and Early Years Act. If you choose to be affiliated with a licensed home child care agency, your agency should be able to answer questions, explain the regulations, and support you with your business. Please note: Agencies vary quite a bit in terms of their fees, what they pay providers, administrative and regulatory requirements, and support for providers – be sure to ask questions and get references so that you can find the agency that is best for you.

What do I need to do before I open as an Independent Home Child Care Provider?

CCPRN recommends the following as Best Practices prior to opening:

• Certified in Standard First Aid & CPR C + AED 
• Liability insurance & a daycare rider (extra car insurance) on your car (if you are taking children out in the car)
• Written contract and other business related policies
• Police Records Check – Vulnerable Sector – for all adults in the home during daycare hours
• Smoke-free and vape-free home (this is a provincial requirement)
• Child-proofed home
• Professional Development Workshops such as: CCPRN’s Getting Started Series, Income Tax, Behaviour Guidance, Health and Safety, etc. – depending on your present education level and your child care experience. 

How many children can I have in my daycare?

As an independent home child care provider you can provide care for up to 5 children, under the age of 13 at any one time. Please see this Ministry Infographic for more details.  

Does CCPRN find client families for me?

CCPRN is not a Home Child Care Agency – it is a Resource Centre. CCPRN provides information, training, resources, and support. CCPRN Caregiver Members can upload their business profile to our searchable caregiver database which is available to all parents.

Where else can I advertise to find clients?

There are many free websites for this purpose. Facebook Groups are also quite popular. You can also meet potential clients at the park, library, or community playgroup/EarlyON centre.

Can I have more children if I have a helper?

Not if you live in Ontario. Please see the Ministry Guidelines.

Can two caregivers work together?

Two caregivers may work together – but they may not exceed the numbers/ratios in place for an individual caregiver. Please see the Ministry Guidelines.

Can caregivers visit in each other’s homes?

As long as the premises does not exceed the maximum number of children under the current legislation, and that the age ratios are not exceeded.

Do I need to follow the DNA?

The Day Nurseries Act has been replaced with the Child Care and Early Years Act – CCEYA, 2014. Please see the Ministry Guidelines.

Should I take the children out in my car?

This is up to each individual and to the client families in care. It will depend on your access to a safe vehicle and to safe car seats, your driving record, comfort in driving young children, and the type of program you wish to offer the children in your care. Some believe that outings to playgroups, parks, gymnastics programs, children’s events… are invaluable to the children in their care. Others believe they can meet children’s needs better in the space of their home and the activities that they can walk to. For more information on car seats please go to Parenting in Ottawa. 

How much can I charge?

You set your fees and the terms of your written agreement. Fees are usually based on location, years of experience, education, quality of food served, type of program. Click here for our most recent survey of rates.

Can parents change the terms of my contract?

A parent cannot change the terms of your contract; however, s/he may wish to discuss certain aspects and negotiate a change with you. It is your business and you make the decisions related to it. The parent decides whether to enter the contract with you or not.

How many holidays can I take?

Caregivers are self-employed and therefore are not entitled to “paid sick time”, or “paid vacation”. To accommodate for this some caregivers charge more per day and bank the extra money for when they are sick or on holidays. Others use statements similar to the one below:

“Weekly fee for care is _____, totaling an annual amount of ______. Payment is expected for the agreed upon hours/days whether the child is in attendance or not. Payment will not vary due to statutory holidays, child’s illness or appointments or parent vacations. Fee will be negotiated if caregiver takes excess of ____days off annually.”

Another term for this is being “paid by enrolment”. The language is very important in case of an audit by the Canada Revenue Agency. If you are audited and your contract mentions “paid vacation” and “paid sick time”, CRA can request the parents pay CPP and EI Benefits. Remember also, CRA can go back 7 years.

Can I charge for days that the child isn’t there?

See note above.

Can I charge for holding a spot?

Yes you can. 

Do I have to give receipts?

Caregivers are required to give receipts yearly. Please note that parents can declare your fees even if you haven’t issued a receipt so make sure you file your returns! Caregivers are exempt from charging GST/HST.

Do I provide diapers, wipes, & baby food?

Typically the parent supplies these. Once the child is on regular food the caregiver takes over the food cost and preparation. However, this can be negotiated between the caregiver and parent and of course would be reflected in the fee paid.

How do I get in touch with other caregivers in my area?

Some ways to get in touch with other caregivers include: CCPRN workshops, CCPRN children’s events, local parks, libraries, and playgroups.