Childcare

In Canada, parents are legally responsible for their children up to the age of 18. Both parents are responsible for caring for their children.

Children six to 16 years of age must attend school. Those under 12 years of age usually do not work outside the home. A permit may be issued to allow a child to work if there is an acceptable reason for employing a child and the job is safe and appropriate for the child.

Young children should not be left at home alone. If both parents work outside the home, they must choose a child care option that will meet their needs and the needs of their children.

Child care options

Child care options range from informal care by relatives, babysitters or nannies (in their home or the child's home) to more formal arrangements. Formal child care options include licensed day-care centres, approved family day homes and out-of-school care centres that are required to meet government standards and are inspected regularly.

There are several kinds of child care facilities:

• Day-care centres and approved family day homes provide care and learning through play activities for children under the age of six.
   
• Licensed out-of-school care centres care for children six to 12 years of age. They also may care for children who are at least 4 1/2 years of age and enrolled in an Early Childhood Services program.
   
• Drop-in centres provide child care services for parents who need occasional care for their children.
   
• Nursery schools provide programs for pre-school children.

Day-care centres and out-of-school centres may be located in community centres, shopping malls, schools, office buildings or churches. Family day homes are located in private residences.

Day-care centres, out-of-school centres and family day homes are usually open Monday to Friday from early in the morning until 6 or 7 p.m. Some are open during evening and weekend hours. Out-of-school care centres typically operate before and after school hours and offer full-day care on non-school days.

In winter, parents are expected to provide appropriate clothing so children can play outdoors. Children should be warned that anything wet (including their skin) could freeze to metal in cold temperatures.

Child care subsidies

Child care subsidies are available for childcare in licensed day-care centres and approved family day homes. Subsidies also are available for children who are at least 4 1/2 years of age, are enrolled in an Early Childhood Services program and require childcare for part of the day.

Subsidy amounts depend on family income, reason for child care and size of family. Subsidies are not available through private babysitters except for the Kin Child Care Funding program, which may be offered where other child care options are limited.

If your child has a special need (for example, your child needs ongoing medical care or has a disability or developmental delay), Alberta Children and Youth Services provides assistance in finding suitable childcare.

For more information, see the Alberta Children and Youth Services website or contact the Child and Family Services Authority in your area (dial 310-0000 and an operator will connect you). Or, call day-care centres, out-of-school care centres and approved family day homes listed under Day-Care Centres in the yellow pages of your telephone book.

Date Updated: Nov 01, 2007
RDP-534