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How to start a day home in Alberta
The two ways to run a day home, what each one asks of you, and the steps to get your first families in Edmonton or St. Albert.
| Private day home | Licensed (through an agency) | |
|---|---|---|
| Most children at one time | 6, not counting your own | 6, not counting your own |
| Training | First aid and CPR recommended | First aid, and ECE Level 1 within six months |
| Checks | Criminal record check recommended | Criminal record and vulnerable-sector checks for adults in the home |
| Who sets your fee | You do | Families pay the flat fee ($326.25 a month full-time) and the agency handles the funding |
| Support and visits | None from the province | Agency visits at least 6 times a year, plus training and help |
| Insurance | Liability insurance recommended | At least $2 million liability required |
In Alberta there are two ways to run a day home. You can run a private day home on your own, or become a licensed family day home educator by joining a licensed agency. Both are legal, and both let you care for up to six children at one time, not counting your own.
Option 1: run a private day home
A private day home is the quickest way to start. You set your own rates, hours and holidays, and choose which families to take. The main rule is the limit: no more than six children aged 0 to 12 at one time, not counting your own. Alberta can investigate and issue a stop order if a provider cares for more than six or puts children at risk.
Alberta’s guide to providing child care in your home also recommends:
- Current first aid and CPR.
- A current criminal record check and vulnerable-sector check to show families.
- Home and liability insurance, plus car insurance that covers driving children.
- A written evacuation plan, monthly fire drills, and medications locked away.
- Written permission from parents before outings or driving children anywhere.
Families at a private day home don’t get the $15/day fee, because private homes don’t receive Alberta’s Affordability Grant. Parents pay the rate you set.
Option 2: become a licensed family day home educator
A licensed day home works with a licensed family day home agency. The agency approves you, checks your home, visits at least six times a year, and offers training and support. In return, your families can pay Alberta’s flat fee of $326.25 a month for full-time care (about $15 a day), and you may qualify for wage top-ups. To be approved, you need to:
- Be at least 18 and hold current first aid.
- Get Early Childhood Educator Level 1 certification. You have six months from approval to do it.
- Pass a criminal record check with vulnerable-sector search, as must every adult living in or regularly visiting your home.
- Give three references from people who aren’t relatives.
- Provide a doctor’s note saying you’re able to care for children.
- Carry at least $2 million in liability insurance.
A licensed day home can have no more than two children under age 2 and three under age 3. To start, read the Family Day Home Standards Manual, gather your documents, and contact an agency near you. Child Care Connect (1-844-644-5165, toll free) can help you find one.
Do you need a city licence?
In Edmonton, the City’s guide to opening a childcare business says a day home in the home you live in, with up to six children, doesn’t need a City business licence when it meets Alberta’s childcare requirements. Seven or more children counts as a commercial use that needs permits. Rules can change, so check with the City’s free business support team to be sure before you start. In St. Albert, ask the City’s business licensing office whether your day home needs a licence.
Set your rates and policies
A licensed day home’s families pay the flat fee, so your agency will explain how the money reaches you. A private day home sets its own rate: look at what other day homes near you charge, and decide what’s included, like meals, diapers and outings. Write down your hours, holidays, sick-child policy, late pick-up fee and notice period, so every family knows what to expect.
Find your first families
Most parents start their search online. TinyCare Connect lists day homes on a free map of Edmonton and St. Albert. You can claim or add your listing for free, post your open spots, and let families join your waitlist. Our day home app then handles registration forms, check-ins, notes and photos, Ouchie reports and fees from your phone.
Common questions
Do I need a licence to run a day home in Alberta?
No. You can run a private day home without a provincial licence as long as you care for no more than six children aged 0 to 12 at one time, not counting your own. To offer families the $15/day fee, you join a licensed family day home agency instead.
How many children can I care for in my day home?
Up to six children at one time, not counting your own, whether you are private or licensed through an agency. A licensed day home can have no more than two children under 2 and three under 3.
What qualifications do I need to be a licensed day home educator?
You need to be 18 or older with current first aid, get Early Childhood Educator Level 1 certification within six months of approval, pass criminal record and vulnerable-sector checks (along with other adults in the home), give three references from non-relatives, and provide a doctor’s note.
Can a private day home charge the $15 a day fee?
No. Only licensed programs receive Alberta’s Affordability Grant. A private day home sets its own rate, and families pay that rate.
Do I need a business licence for a day home in Edmonton?
The City of Edmonton’s guide says a day home in your own home with up to six children doesn’t need a City business licence when it meets Alberta’s childcare requirements. Seven or more children needs permits. Check with the City to be sure before you open.
How do I find a licensed family day home agency?
Alberta keeps a list of licensed family day home agencies on alberta.ca, and you can search the Child Care Lookup tool. Child Care Connect (1-844-644-5165) can also help.
How do I get families for my new day home?
List your day home where parents search. On TinyCare Connect you can claim or add your listing for free, post open spots, and use the day home app for registration forms, check-ins, notes and fees.
TinyCare Connect is a connector, not a childcare agency. Listings come from public records; we don't verify, endorse, or guarantee any provider. Always do your own due diligence before making childcare decisions.