How to Open a Home Daycare FAQ

Wondering what it takes to start and operate your own home daycare? We get many questions about that, so here are some common ones with answers. Call us today to learn more about our Licensed Home Child Care Program!

• What is City View Centre For Child & Family Services' Licensed Home Child Care Program?

  City View Centre for Child and Family Services (CVCCFS) Home Child Care Program contracts with individuals interested in developing their own home-based child care business. The Agency contracts with the Providers to provide quality child care for up to 6 non-familial children in their own homes. Providers receive ongoing support and access to training, enabling them to provide a high-quality early learning environment in their homes.

• How do I become an affiliated Provider with CVCCFS Licensed Home Child Care Program?

  Contact our Home Child Care office and speak with a child care advisor who can walk you through the process.

• How old do I need to be to join CVCCFS Licensed Home Child Care Program?

  You must be at least 21 years of age to become a provider through our Agency.

• How much does it cost to open a home daycare in Ontario?

  This will depend on what you already have in your home. You will need to meet the requirements to provide enough toys/equipment for the children you are providing care for.

• What qualifications/training do I need to open a home daycare?

  The only qualifications are the love of working with children, a standard first aid certificate, a police check for the vulnerable sector (for every adult in your home) as well as proof of up-to-date immunizations (for all residents of your home).

• Do home daycares have to be licensed in Ontario?

  Home Child Care providers are not licensed, but may operate under a licensed agency. The license belongs to the agency, not the home.

• How many children can you have in a daycare?

  Most qualify for five (5) children, but if you have the space, we can allow you to care for up to six (6) children.

• What is the staff-to-child ratio in a daycare?

  This will depend on your space. Only the approved provider or the alternate care provider can provide care to the children.

• Do I need to make modifications to my home?

  You may need to add a gate in front of the stairs. We try to work with you to use your home with the least amount of modifications possible to meet the needs and requirements of both home life and providing care.

• How do I get paid as a home child care provider?

  The Agency collects the fees from the parents and pays the provider for the days they provide care. Fees are paid monthly per child per day. Providers are self-employed, contracted through our Agency.

• Can I care for my children?

  Yes, but any child under the age of 4 must be part of the overall number of children allowed in the home.

• How do I fill spaces in my home daycare?

  The child care advisors through the Agency will find children through the City of Ottawa waitlist to fill your home. An interview process will occur to ensure a good fit between the family and the provider before enrolling the child in a home.