Provincial governments provide subsidised child care for some low-income families, but the supply is inadequate to the demand and cutbacks have worsened the problem in some provinces. Affordable, accessible and quality day care remains a continuing objective of child care advocates; most families still must use private, unregulated child care. Some provincial governments are reinvesting in child care, some as part of the National Child Benefit.
The most enlightened government concerning child care is Quebec, which recently introduced subsidised day care for all children 4 years old and plan to lower the age each subsequent year.
The pursuit of 'family-friendly' workplace practices on the part of employers (e.g., emergency leave to care for sick children, on-site child care, flexible working hours) remains in its infancy in Canada.
Alberta:
Alberta's Children's Services
The Ministry of Children’s Services sets the standards for day care centres, family day homes, nursery school programs and drop in centres that address the health, safety and well-being of pre-school children in care.
British Columbia:
Child Care Services
Child Care Programs and Services Branch — manages and administers child care programs and services that include the Child Care Operating Funding Program, the Child Care Capital Funding Program, the Child Care Resource and Referral Program and related provincial services.
Manitoba:
Child Day Care, Child and Family Services Division
Manitoba Child Day Care Committed to accessible, high-quality child care for children 12 weeks to 12 years old.
New Brunswick:
Department of Family and Community Services
Childrens' early years set the stage for the rest of their life. Every parent wants the best for their child, and that includes finding helpful information and resources.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education has become part of the mandate of the Department of Education. Together with the Department of Health and Community Services, the department is involved in developing strategies to assist families long before their children reach Kindergarten.
Northwest Territories:
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
The Early Childhood Program supports the development of child care programs that enhance the growth and development of children who are in daycare while their parents work or go to school.
Nova Scotia:
Family and Children's Services Division
One of the main goals is to promote the healthy development of children between the ages of 3 months and 12 years. This is achieved by licensing and monitoring child care programs, developing policies and standards for child care centres, approving new early childhood education training programs, promoting awareness among parents and community members of quality child care choices.
Nunavut:
Department of Education
Education provides the path and guides the life-long learning journey of Nunavummiut by providing excellence in education and training so that Nunavummiut benefit from their past and create their own future for a productive, prosperous society.
Ontario:
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Direct services to children and youth from pre-school age through high school, provide more resources for parents and invest in research and training so that Ontario has more professionals with leading-edge knowledge to help our children.
Prince Edward Island:
Child Care Facilities
The PEI Child Care Facilities Board is responsible for determining the qualifications of staff who work in licensed child care/early childhood education programs. All such staff must meet on-going training requirements.
Québec:
Ministère de la Famille et de l'Enfance
(Information available in French only.)
Un programme éducatif destiné aux jeunes enfants met inévitablement l’accent sur le jeu. Pour l’enfant, celui-ci constitue l’instrument par excellence pour explorer l’univers, le comprendre et le maîtriser. Il doit donc être considéré comme l’outil essentiel d’expression et d’intégration de l’enfant.
Saskatchewan:
Child Day Care Division
Good quality child care services provide a safe, healthy environment and support the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of children. Refer to the following links for further information on the various programs.
Yukon :
Child Care Services Unit
Child Care Services delivers seven service programs designed to help individual families and licensed child care facilities. The unit licenses child care centres, family day homes and school-age programs.
Home
