If you have any questions about your registration, please feel free to email us at childcare@ccprn.com or call the office at 613-749-5211 and speak with Julie, we’re always happy to help!

A reminder e-mail will be sent to you a few days before each event.

EXPECTATIONS OF CAREGIVERS:

• If you can no longer attend a workshop or event, please let us know by email or by phone. We often have a waiting list, and we sometimes wait to begin until everyone arrives.
• Please remember that our programs are nut free, therefore we ask that you do not bring any nut products/snacks. Your fellow caregivers and children appreciate your cooperation for everyone’s safety.
• Please place cell phones on vibrate or silent.
• The children are modeling after you – when they see you sitting and listening to the presenters and facilitators, they will do it too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register, or can I just show up at a children’s program?

Due to limited space at all our locations everyone must register prior to the event.

How do I register?

It’s easy! Simply create an account and then visit our calendar of events to register for the program(s) of your choice.  Click here to create your account.

How many children can I register?

All caregivers are expected to follow current Ontario legislation. Please see Ministry Guidelines for more information.

When can I register for the children’s programs?

As soon as they are listed on the website, visit www.ccprn.com/events to see the calendar.

Is there a fee for the programs?

Yes, all programs have a Member (adult membership) and Non-Member fee. Fees are listed on the Calendar of Events and can be seen when you register.

Is there a charge for the adult?

Occasionally. If there is, it will be listed on the event registration page.

Can I cancel my registration?

To change or cancel your registration please email childcare@ccprn.com as soon as possible.

Do I need to be a Member to participate in children’s programs?

Anyone can participate in children’s programs; however, everyone must register. To register, you simply create an account on our website, select the Member or Non-Member option and then pay the corresponding fee. To become a member, click here.

Are programs offered in languages other than English?

In some instances, facilitators may run the program in French and English.  In that case, it will be noted in the description of the program. Programs that are offered in French will be written in French.

Can I leave the children at the event to run an errand?

No, children are always the responsibility of the caregiver.  Facilitators of children’s programs are there to facilitate the program only.

Can I suggest a program and/or location?

Certainly!  We try our best to find different, fun and affordable venues for caregivers and their children.  If you know of something that other caregivers and children would enjoy, pass it on to us. As for locations, we would love to give the opportunity to all caregivers across the city to participate in events.  If you know of a location that a lot of caregivers can get to, send us the information and we will look into booking programs at that location as well.

What happens when I get to the program?

A CCPRN facilitator will be there to greet you and the children.  They will explain the activities and set-up. You will be required to sign in when you arrive at the location of the program.

How do I know if the program is suitable for my children?

There is always a brief description of the program which will help you decide if the program is suitable for you and your specific age group.

What happens if it rains during an outdoor program?

If it is pouring rain, the program will be cancelled.  We try to offer a rain date or a refund.

What about winter weather?

If the school buses are cancelled due to bad weather, the program is also cancelled.  You will receive a refund or an alternate date will be arranged.

Do I need to be a member to participate in CCPRN workshops and webinars?

Everyone is welcome to attend the workshops and webinars. Workshops and webinar descriptions will make it clear if the information being shared is geared more towards home child care providers, parents, or both.

Do I need to register, or can I just show up?

Everyone must register prior to the workshop or webinar.

How do I register?

It’s easy! Simply create an account and then visit our calendar of events to register for the workshop or webinar of your choice.  Click here to create your account.

How will I know if my registration was processed correctly?

You will be able to check your account on-line to see what you have registered for and if any payment you made has been processed. You will also receive an automatically generated e-mail to confirm your registration.

A couple of days prior to the event, you will receive an email confirming the date, time, location, and any special instructions. Virtual workshops are online using Zoom.  Registered participants will receive the Zoom link by email a day or two before the event.

When can I register for the workshops and webinars?

You can register for workshops and webinars as soon as they are listed on the website.

Is there a fee for the workshops and webinars?

Yes – one for Members and one for Non-Members. All fees are listed on the Calendar of Events where you register.

Can I cancel my registration?

If you are unable to attend a workshop or webinar, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing childcare@ccprn.com. We may have others on a waiting list, or we may need to cancel due to low registration.

Are workshops and webinars offered in other languages than English?

In some instances, facilitators may run the workshop or webinar in French and English. In that case, it will be noted in the description of the workshop or webinar. Workshops or Webinars that are offered in French will be written in French.

Can I suggest a workshop or webinar and/or location?

Absolutely! We are always looking for suggestions from our members.

What happens at a workshop or during a webinar?

Workshops and webinars are often interactive – meaning caregivers and/or parents are encouraged to participate in their own learning by asking and answering questions and by participating in small groups or online discussions.

Make & Take type workshops are an opportunity for caregivers to network while creating resources and props for their children for a reasonable cost. Materials are provided and you are guided through the process of making your own resources. It is a perfect time to share ideas and suggestions for how to invite your children to play with the materials and how to extend their interests.

 

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.