Home child care is provided in caregivers' private homes. Many parents prefer home child care because the environment more closely resembles the child’s home.

In the Province of Ontario you may provide child care in your home for up to five children less than 10 years of age, including your own children under the age of six. If you want to care for more than five children, plus your own at your home, you must have a license under the Day Nurseries Act.

Licensed home child care is offered through licensed home child care agencies. Home child care providers are affiliated with a specific agency. The agency screens, selects and monitors the home to ensure that they continue to meet the minimum standards set out in the Day Nurseries Act. These standards include health and safety and the number of children that may be cared for (five children under the age of 10 years including your own children) and appropriate programming to ensure quality care. Licensed home child care agencies provide on-going support to their providers such as training opportunities and age-appropriate toys and equipment-lending services. Agencies also provide professional and business support such as arranging alternate care for children whan providers are sick or on holiday. Licensed home child care provides support to parents looking for child care and in maintaining quality child care through regular home visits. There is a partnership formed between the child care provider, the family and the agency.

For more information contact:
Children's Resources on Wheels
(613) 283-0095
oeyclanark@bellnet.ca
www.crowoeyc.ca
91 Cornelia Street West, Suite 118
Smiths Falls, ON  K7A 5L3