Everything you need to know about becoming an in-home childcare provider.

You have analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of a profession in childcare and now you want to know what are the steps you'll need to do to become a licensed childcare professional.

Here are the details of the chronological steps you need to perform in order to pursue this profession at home.

Find out what kind of level of training is required to operate a licensed home care program in your province.

Since childcare legislation is handled primarily by the provincial governments the educational requirements to run a licensed home childcare program vary in each province. Be sure to find out what the requirements are in your province. This website features a ton of great resources regarding requirements in all the different provinces.
Once you are sure about the required qualifications in your province you can begin investigating the different institutions and the programs they offer. This document explains the different requirements and levels of certification each province. It can prove very useful to you.

Getting a license to operate

Being certified as a childcare professional and getting a license to operate an in-home childcare facility are two different steps. Once you are certified you can then apply for a license to operate a registered childcare program from your home. We will give you all of the info you need about how to register your home daycare.

Start your training.

Once you know what kind of education you will need to become a home daycare operator in your province you can enrol in a program and begin your training. Often there are part-time and/or evening classes available for those who need a more flexible schedule or who are working while obtaining their certification.

Get some work experience.

Work experience can prove invaluable for two main reasons, especially if you do not already have professional childcare experience. Firstly, if this is going to be your career path you want to be sure that you enjoy this type of work and that you can handle the challenges that come with it. Secondly parents would prefer to hire a home childcare worker who has experience.

You can get experience in childcare in many ways. 

• Volunteering at a preschool or daycare program
• Working at a daycare
• Babysitting

The more experience and commitment you have the more prepared you will be for a career as a home childcare provider.