Information for child care partners and providers

Last updated on September 18, 2024

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Open a child care business

The requirements for starting a child care business are different, depending on which type of child care provider you plan to be.

ChildCareBC funding programs for new child care spaces

Operating a licensed facility

Child care can be licensed, registered or unlicensed. Unlicensed (or licence-not-required) child care providers can care for only two children or a sibling group not related to them. If care is provided to three or more children, a licence is required.


ChildCareBC funding and resources 

Take advantage of funding designed to build a quality, inclusive, child care system families can depend on when they need it, at a price they can afford.

Creating spaces

Maintenance

Operational


Additional tools and resources

Affordable Child Care Benefit Service Provider Portal

Licensed child care providers and Registered Licence-Not-Required child care providers can use the Service Provider Portal to access self-service options related to Affordable Child Care Benefit claims, benefit plans and payments.

Service Provider Portal

Visit the Affordable Child Care Benefit web page for more program information.

Child care map

Child care providers need to update their information regularly using the Child Care Web Application.

Child Care Web Application

Child care health and safety

Health and safety information to assist and support child care providers to keep families informed of the latest public health guidance.

Design Guidelines for Child Care Centres

Design Guidelines for Child Care Centres help organizations with child care space creation projects achieve a balance between consistent, quality and functional child care centre designs, which will benefit children, families, early learning professionals and communities for years to come.

 


Inclusive child care

ChildCareBC is our 10-year plan for an inclusive, universal child care system that is welcoming to all children, including those with support needs. The Province is working to deliver affordable, quality and inclusive child care.

Indigenous child care

The Ministry of Education and Child Care is committed to engaging Indigenous people and partners to develop distinctions-based, culturally safe approaches to child care and wraparound services. 


ChildCareBC Bulletin

Keep up to date on news from ChildCareBC and the Ministry of Education and Child Care by subscribing to our ChildCareBC Bulletin.


ChildCareBC Awards of Excellence

The ChildCareBC Awards of Excellence honour the outstanding achievements of individuals, organizations, school districts and local governments who help families and communities thrive by providing or supporting the delivery of quality child care in B.C. Nominees demonstrate their excellence in supporting children’s development and their commitment to improving and enhancing relationships with children, families and their community.


Early learning and child care engagement

British Columbia is committed to the well-being, care, and education of children. We value your input and would like to know what you think is most critical as we continue to evolve early learning and child care in British Columbia.


Information for families

Visit the information for families page to learn more about the services and supports ChildCareBC offers to British Columbians.