Choosing the Right Daycare: Prioritizing Safety Over Availability

By: Carlene Forde, Manager, Care and Non-profit Sector, Markel Canada

Planning to start or grow your family is a decision that comes with a number of considerations. As the cost of living continues to rise, return to office policies surge, and major cities across Canada become more densely populated, many families have had to adapt their plans – including those around childcare. 

Whether you’re in the initial planning stages or currently expecting, securing safe and reliable childcare is a top priority for many Canadians. However, with waitlists upwards to two years, many are finding themselves in a tough position. While daycare availability varies by location, having the right resources to thoroughly evaluate options for care in your area, even under time constraints, can help ensure your child is being cared for by trusted, accredited, and reliable providers. 

While asking these questions may be difficult, or may limit your options, it is imperative to ensure that informed decisions are being made beyond availability of care.

Licensed vs. Unlicensed

Daycare services in Canada fall into two main categories: licensed and unlicensed providers.

Licensed facilities are regulated by provincial and territorial governments, adhering to strict guidelines on staff qualifications, child-to-caregiver ratios, safety protocols, and strict requirements in incident reporting. 

Unlicensed providers operate without government oversight, making it difficult to verify safety standards, staff training, and overall operational quality. While these providers typically offer more availability and flexible arrangements, the lack of governance can increase the risks of inadequate supervision, lack of emergency preparedness and improper facilities. 

While regulations may look different from British Columbia to PEI, they’re set in place to ensure a baseline level of care. However, the final decision ultimately comes down to the parent or guardian to conduct thorough due diligence in ensuring the daycare at hand is accredited as not all providers are meeting these standards.

Key questions to ask

Choosing the right daycare is a decision that requires careful consideration. When the opportunity arises to meet with and vet potential daycares here are eight key questions to ask:

1. Is the daycare licensed? Beyond requesting a physical copy, this can also be verified through your provincial government website, which provides a record of approved facilities and non-compliance records. 
2. What safety and reporting measures are in place? This will help new entrants understand how the daycare handles injuries, illnesses, or allegations of misconduct.

What are the caregiver-to-child ratios? Ensure they comply with provincial regulations. For example, in BC, for children from birth to 36 months, the child-to-staff ratios are: 1–4 children (one Infant Toddler Educator), 5–8 children (one Infant Toddler Educator and one Early Childhood Educator), and 9–12 children (one Infant Toddler Educator, one Early Childhood Educator, and one Early Childhood Educator Assistant), but unlicensed providers may not follow these standards.

How are outdoor activities managed? It’s important to understand how staff approach supervision during outings and the daycare’s transportation policies.

What qualifications and experience do the staff have? Inquire about their industry experience and training.

What food is being offered and who is handling it? From producer to the individual(s) handling food and drink at the daycare, inadequate preparation and procedures may pose risks to children’s health and safety.

Does the daycare accommodate special needs? Determine whether staff are trained to support children requiring specialized care.

What does a typical day look like? Ensure that the children attending are participating in educational and meaningful activities rather than spending most of the day in front of a screen.

Are they insured and who with? Adequate insurance protection is essential for providers, even to the point of knowing who their insurers are can provide insight to the financial security of the insurance company.

Looking ahead

From staff shortages to affordable care, Canada’s childcare sector continues to face significant challenges. In this environment, taking a proactive and thoughtful approach is critical to accessing reliable and safe care. 

Choosing the right daycare is about more than just availability – it’s about ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for your child. By evaluating licensing, safety protocols, and quality of care, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes your child’s well-being and development. Asking the right questions and doing your research will not only help you find a daycare that meets your standards but will also give you peace of mind at first drop off, and the many others that follow. 

Biography

Carlene Forde

Carlene Forde is a seasoned insurance professional with extensive experience in casualty underwriting and risk management. As Manager of the Care and Non-Profit Sector at Markel Canada, she specializes in providing tailored insurance solutions to organizations that serve vulnerable populations, including daycares, social service providers, and non-profits. She is dedicated to helping care-focused organizations navigate complex liability challenges by providing expert insights, customized policies, and proactive risk mitigation strategies.