Frequently Asked Questions
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In British Columbia (BC), the official required ratios of children to child care workers in licensed child care settings vary by the age of the children and type of program. These are set out in the Child Care Licensing Regulation for licensed facilities.
🧒 Licensed Child Care — Minimum Ratios in BC
1. Infants and toddlers (birth to 36 months)
1 caregiver : 4 children (max group size 12)
2. Preschool-age (30 months to school age)
1 caregiver : 8 children (max group size 25)
3. Preschool programs (30 months to school age, part-day preschool)
1 caregiver : 10 children (max group size 20)
4. School-age care (Kindergarten & up)
1 caregiver : 12 children (if Kindergarten/Grade 1 kids are present)
1 caregiver : 15 children (if only Grade 2 and older kids are present)tem description
5. Multi-age care (mixed ages from birth to age 12)
1 caregiver : 8 children (max group size 8)
6. Occasional child care (drop-in care)
1 caregiver : 4 children (if any under 36 mths)
1 caregiver : 8 children (no children under 36 mths)
7. Family child care (home-based, licensed)
1 caregiver (licensee adult) : 7 children
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Logistics & Packing
Label Everything: Use labels for bottles, clothes, shoes, bags, blankets, and comfort items.
Essential Items: Pack diapers, wipes, diaper cream, at least 2-3 changes of clothes, and socks.
Comfort Object: Bring a familiar item like a special stuffed animal or blanket.
Feeding Gear: If needed, pack labeled bottles/sippy cups and breastmilk or formula.
Prepare Gear: Pack the bag the night before to avoid rushed mornings.
Routine & Transition
Adjust Schedules: Start shifting nap times and meal times to align with the daycare schedule about 3-5 days before starting.
Practice Goodbyes: Practice short separations at home to build comfort.
Create a Ritual: Keep the final drop-off calm and consistent—a quick hug, high-five, and a cheerful "see you later".
Communication & Emotional Prep
Share Information: Tell educators about your child’s routines, soothing techniques, and likes/dislikes.
Discuss Separation: Talk to children about what to expect, using positive language.
Manage Your Emotions: Keep goodbyes brief and confident; it is normal for children to cry, and these feelings usually pass as they build trust.
Health & Safety
Vaccinations: Ensure all vaccinations are up to date and documentation is provided.
Medication/Allergies: Inform staff of any allergies or medical needs.
Prepare for Illness: Be prepared for the child to pick up new germs in the first few weeks.
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Monthly tuition fees depend on the age of the child, number of days enrolled.
Fill out the (Contact, Book a Tour or Waitlist) form to learn more about tuition, waitlist information, centre availability, and more.
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Our manager will walk you through the enrollment process and will confirm with you about your child’s First Day.
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Yes.
In British Columbia, licensed daycares are required to provide nutritious food and drinks aligned with Canada’s Food Guide, but they are not obligated to provide full meals. It is common practice for daycares to provide health snacks while requiring parents to pack lunches. Licensed facilities must ensure provided snacks meet specific health standards.
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Our Centre manager can provide information regarding financial assistance and we can assist you with the process as well.
You can also go to
ChildCareBC programs Website
for more information.
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We highly recommend a gradual entry process for every child. This approach eases the transition from home to classroom, making it a smoother experience for both the child and the parents. During your tour, our manager will touch base with you on this.
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In British Columbia, daycare fever policies generally require children to stay home if they have a temperature of 38.5C or higher. Children must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) before returning to the centre.
Key details regarding BC daycare fever policies include:
Definition of Fever: Generally considered 38.5C or higher.
Return Policy: Children must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
When to Stay Home: Children should not attend if they are too sick to participate in normal activities, including outdoor play.
Other Symptoms: Along with fever, children should be kept home if they exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, or severe cough.
Notification: Parents are expected to notify the center if their child is ill and will not be attending.
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10 Ways Small-Group Daycares Benefit Families
Highly Individualized Care: Smaller ratios ensure each child's unique needs are met.
Intimate Learning Environment: A less overwhelming setting that feels like a"home away from home".
Enhanced Educator-Child Bonding: Stronger emotional connections between children and consistent caregivers.
Tailored Developmental Pace: Curriculum and activities adapted to a child's specific interests and stage.
Close-Knit Community: Families and staff build deeper, more supportive relationships.
Lower Stress Levels: Smaller groups are typically calmer and less chaotic for sensitive children.
Greater Safety & Supervision: Educators can monitor children more closely, reducing risks.
Consistent Caregiving: Fewer staff members mean more stability and less transition stress for the child.
Increased Flexibility: Small centers often adapt daily routines andtoilet training strategies more easily than large institutions.
Reduced Health Risks: Smaller groups can mean fewer exposures to common illnesses.
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Start Early: Begin to contact us as early as possible, even before the baby arrives, as waitlists can be long.