Licensed family child care in BC is a government-licensed daycare run from the provider’s own home, for a maximum of seven children. The licensee personally provides the care, and the program must follow provincial law and regular health authority oversight.
This guide is for parents comparing daycare options and people considering opening a home-based program. You’ll learn how it works, how it differs from unlicensed care, and how to check that a provider is licensed.
Key Takeaways
- Licensed family child care operates in the provider’s personal home with a maximum group size of 7 children.
- Providers who care for three or more children not related to them must hold a licence.
- Regional health authorities monitor and regularly inspect licensed facilities.
- Licence-not-required care is limited to two children or one sibling group.
- Parents can search health authority public lists or contact a local CCRR to find openings.
- Centre-based group care, like our child care programs, is a different licensed option with larger groups and more staff.
What is licensed family child care in BC?
Licensed family child care is a regulated daycare program delivered in the licensee’s own residence. The Act and the Child Care Licensing Regulation set health and safety requirements, licence application requirements, and training requirements for licensed providers.
The word “family” describes the setting, not the children. Kids are not related to the provider. They are grouped in a home environment, often across several ages, which many parents prefer for toddlers and siblings.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Setting | Provider’s personal residence |
| Maximum group size | 7 children |
| Oversight | Regional health authority licensing officers |
| Governing law | Community Care and Assisted Living Act; Child Care Licensing Regulation |
How many children can a licensed family child care provider look after?
A licensed family child care program may have up to seven children in one group. Schedule E of the Child Care Licensing Regulation sets how many children of each age may be in care within that cap, so the allowed mix of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers varies.
How is licensed care different from unlicensed care?
Licensed care is inspected and regulated. Licence-not-required (LNR) care is not. An LNR provider can care for only two children, or one sibling group, not related to them. A third unrelated child triggers the licensing requirement.
| Type | Max children | Inspected by health authority | Training required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed family child care | 7 | Yes | Yes |
| Registered LNR | 2 or one sibling group | No (CCRR registration) | Some courses and first aid |
| LNR | 2 or one sibling group | No | None |
| Care in child’s own home | Set by parents | No | None |
Registered LNR providers have completed a criminal record check, home safety assessment, physician’s report, first aid, and training. That is more screening than plain LNR, but it is still not a licence.
What are the other licensed child care types in BC?
BC licenses several program types, and family child care is the smallest group format. Group child care for under-3s allows 12 children, multi-age child care allows 8, and in-home multi-age child care also allows 8. Occasional child care has its own limits.
If you want a centre setting, look at licensed toddler group child care or a licensed preschool program in Victoria. Parents who like a structured, child-led approach can also compare Montessori programs.
How does BC monitor licensed family child care?
Health authority licensing officers inspect licensed homes. They check that rules are followed and that children’s needs are being met. Each region, such as Island Health, Fraser Health, Interior Health, and Vancouver Coastal Health, runs its own licensing office.
Inspection reports are usually public through the health authority. Read them before you tour. Repeated findings on supervision or safety matter more than a single minor note.
How do I find a licensed family child care in BC?
Start with your health authority’s public list of licensed facilities and your local CCRR. Child Care Resource and Referral Centres help families find licensed, registered, and licence-not-required providers who may have space.
Follow these steps:
- Search your health authority’s public facility list by city.
- Confirm the licence type says family child care.
- Read the latest inspection report.
- Call the provider and ask about open spots, age mix, and hours.
- Tour the home and meet the provider.
- Ask for the licence to be shown on site.
What should I look for when touring a licensed home?
Look for a clear licence, safe sleep and play areas, and a provider who can explain their daily routine. Ask who covers when the provider is sick, and how many children will be in the group on your child’s days. Ask how emergencies and pickups are handled.
Who is licensed family child care not for?
It may not suit families who need extended-hours care, large groups for socializing, or guaranteed backup coverage. A single provider means a sick day can close the program unless there is an approved backup. Group centres usually have more staff to cover absences.
Watch how the provider speaks to children. A calm, specific answer to “What does a typical morning look like?” tells you more than a brochure. Reading what other parents say about a program also helps.
What does a provider need to open a licensed family child care?
A provider must apply to the local health authority and meet the Child Care Licensing Regulation. The regulation covers health and safety, application requirements, and training for providers. Expect a home inspection and personal suitability checks.
FAQs
Is licensed family child care the same as daycare?
Licensed family child care is one type of licensed daycare. It happens in a provider’s home with up to seven children, unlike a centre.
How many kids are allowed in a licensed family child care?
The maximum group size is seven. The age mix is set by Schedule E of the Child Care Licensing Regulation.
Can an unlicensed provider care for more than two children?
No. An LNR provider can care for two children or one sibling group. Three or more unrelated children require a licence.
How do I check if a provider is licensed?
Search your health authority’s public list and read the inspection report. You can also ask the provider to show the licence.
