Finding and choosing child care

Child care is essential to Alberta’s economy. It enables parents and caregivers to work or study, knowing their children are in a safe, supportive environment.

Service for Families:

  • Help finding a day home that suits your child’s age, needs, and your family values

  • Access to government subsidies and affordability grants (if eligible)

  • Ongoing safety and quality monitoring of your child’s day home

  • Backup child care if your regular educator is unavailable

  • A clear and professional process for handling concerns or complaints

  • Confidence knowing your child is in a regulated, supportive, and loving environment

Why choose our day homes

At Little Children Day Homes, we proudly provide reliable, government-regulated, home-based childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children throughout Southeast Alberta, including the City of Calgary and communities such as Brooks, Medicine Hat, and surrounding areas.

As a licensed family day home agency, our mission is to support families by offering safe, nurturing, and high-quality early learning environments that feel just like home. 

To consider

Choosing the right childcare for your family can be a challenging decision with many factors to consider.

Health and safety check list

  1. Current Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Checks
  2. Valid CPR & First Aid Training
  3. Safe Environment
  4. Sick Child Policy
  5. Licence Status & Inspection Reports (for licensed care)

Nutrition & Mealtime – Key Questions

  1. Are meals and snacks provided?

  2. Is the menu posted for parents to see?

  3. Are the food options healthy?

  4. Do they follow Canada’s Food Guide or Alberta’s Nutritional Guidelines?

  5. Promotes positive eating habits and supervision.

Activities & Play – Key Questions

  1. Educator Qualifications & Experience
    • What are the Early Childhood Educators’ (ECEs) qualifications?
    • How much experience do they have working with young children?
  2. Curriculum or Program
    • What type of curriculum or programming is used (e.g., Flight, Montessori, Reggio Emilia)?
    • Is it play-based, structured, or a mix?
  3. Daily Schedule
    • Is there a posted daily schedule?
    • Is it followed consistently?
  4. Activity Balance
    • Is there a mix of child-led and educator-led activities?
    • Is time provided for both indoor and outdoor play each day?
  5. Play Area Quality
    • Are the play areas varied and engaging?
    • Are materials and equipment safe and age-appropriate?
    • Are toys and supplies well-stocked and in good condition?

Relationships & Parent Engagement – Key Questions

  1. Are educators warm, caring, and actively engaged with the children?
    ➤ Do they play with children and model respectful behavior?

  2. What is their approach to guidance and discipline?
    ➤ Are expectations clear, simple, and age-appropriate?

  3. Are staff trained in early childhood development?
    ➤ What is their experience and education?

  4. Is there clear, regular communication with parents?
    ➤ Do they explain policies (e.g., illness, payment, cancellations) clearly?

For infants – Key Questions

  1. Are infants held and carried frequently?
  2. Do the program educators respond quickly to infants’ cries?
  3. Do the program educators frequently talk with, sing to, and read to infants?
  4. Do the program educators adjust to infants’ individual feeding and sleeping schedules?

Get involved!

Staying Involved in Your Child’s Care

Your partnership with your Early Childhood Educator (ECE) plays a vital role in your child’s healthy development. Being actively involved helps build a strong connection between home and care, supporting your child in meaningful ways.

 

 

Here are some simple ways to stay involved:

  • Feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, suggestions, or concerns with your child's educator.

  • Volunteer for special events or celebrations at the day home.

  • Join the group on your child’s birthday to help them feel special.

  • Offer to read a story or lead an activity with the group.

  • Have regular conversations with your child’s educator—in person or by email.

  • Ask your child about their day and show interest in what they’re learning.

  • Keep your ECE informed about special events in your child’s life, such as family visits, vacations, or changes at home.

  • Inquire about a parent advisory committee you can join for increased involvement.

Together, you and your child’s ECE create a supportive environment where your child can thrive.

Choosing a day home

We understand that choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions a family can make. That’s why all of our educators are carefully screened, trained, and certified to provide loving, developmentally appropriate care in small, home-based settings.

 Affordability Grants & Subsidies

Starting April 1, 2025, childcare just got more affordable across the province! 

Full-time care (up to Kindergarten): $326.25/month

Part-time care: $230/month

Backup Care

At Little Children Day Homes, we can arrange approved backup care, so your child continues to receive safe, quality care without interruption. Written parental consent is required, and exemptions may apply based on availability..

If you have concerns

If you are concerned about the health, safety, or well-being of your child — or any child — in a licensed or private child care setting, it’s important to speak up.

You can reach the Little Children Day Homes Director at:  littlechildrendayhome@hotmail.com  or call at:

📞 Little Children 1-403-427-1068 - 📞 Child Care Connect Toll-Free: 1-844-644-5165

All complaints are taken seriously and reviewed carefully.

Concerned a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect?

If you suspect that a child is being neglected, abused, or sexually exploited, you are required by law to report it.

📞 Call the Child Abuse Hotline Toll-Free: 1-800-387-KIDS (5437)

Available 24/7 in multiple languages. Help is always available.

🔗 Learn the signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation:  alberta.ca/recognize-family-violence.aspx

"I can't say enough about the outstanding service I received from Little Children Day Homes. Their team went above and beyond to meet our needs and exceeded our expectations."

Oliver Hartman