Quality Dayhome Educators are Always in Need
Looking to make a difference in a child’s life? Become a dayhome educator in Calgary today.
Quality Dayhome Educators are Always in Need
You focus on the children and we’ll focus on your success.
Open a Licensed Dayhome in Calgary
We’re here to help you build a thriving childcare business.
Are you ready to become a dayhome educator in Calgary? At Child Development Dayhomes, we support passionate individuals who want to make a difference in early childhood education. With 35 years of experience, we’re proud to be Alberta’s most trusted dayhome agency.
Requirements
What are the requirements? To begin with, we require a Security Clearance, Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Intervention Check for everyone in the home that is 18 years or older. Additionally, all dayhome educators are required to have a current Child/Infant CPR First Aid Certificate. Importantly, you can still apply to become a dayhome educator prior to completing your security clearance and intervention checks. These documents must be obtained before your approval process is finalized.
Furthermore, we consider it an asset if you have your Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level 3. That said, we will still consider applicants who do not yet hold their level 3. If you do become an educator through our agency, you are required to complete your Level 1 course. Fortunately, this can be completed through in-home study in the comfort of your own home. Lastly, please note that we are not approving dayhomes located in apartments.
Can I apply before completing my security clearance? Yes, you can still apply to become a dayhome educator prior to completing your security clearance. In the meantime, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure everything is in place before you open.
Do I need to own my home to run a dayhome? Not at all. Whether you rent or own, you can operate a dayhome. However, you must have permission from your landlord if you’re renting.
Ratios
How many children can I care for and what are the ratios? You can have up to six children (aged 12 and under) not including your own children. You can have two children under the age of 2 or three children under the age of 3 (your own children count in this ratio).
Running a Dayhome
Does my home need to look like a daycare? In contrast to traditional daycare settings, you do not need the same equipment. Your environment should be responsive to both your family and the children’s needs.
Do I need the same equipment as a daycare centre? No, you do not need the same equipment as a traditional daycare. Instead, we encourage a home-like environment with age-appropriate toys and learning materials. As a result, your space can feel more personal and comforting for children.
Can I pick my own families? When choosing families, the decision is yours. Educators set their own fees, hours and choose their families. We want educators to choose a family who is a good fit based on their values in child care.
Can I choose my own hours? Yes, you set your own hours. For example, some educators work Monday to Friday, while others also offer overnight and weekend care. This flexibility allows you to build a schedule that suits your lifestyle.
Can my friend/sister/husband, etc. run my dayhome with me? Only one person can be contracted with the agency. Your friend/husband/sister/daughter, etc can apply to become a backup educator for situations where you are unable to care for the children. Contact the Agency for more information on how to apply to become a backup educator.
Can I charge my own rates? No. Under the Government of Alberta’s new Affordability Funding approach, which launched on April 1, 2025, we follow a standardized fee structure. However, educators may charge additional fees for optional services such as field trips, meals and snacks, transportation, overnight care, extended hours care, cultural activities, on-site experiential learning, and specialized classes. Importantly, parents must have the choice to opt into and pay for these additional services.
Pets
Are pets allowed in my dayhome? Absolutely – pets are a great addition to the home! In fact, they can help teach children empathy and responsibility. However, pet vaccines must be current and the litterbox, food and water must be inaccessible to the children.
Cost
Is there a cost to start up a dayhome? We do not charge a fee to become a dayhome educator in Calgary with our agency and you will be responsible for the cost of the criminal background check and First Aid/CPR course. Furthermore, you will also be responsible for costs associated with running your dayhome (i.e. developing your play space, food/drink for children, etc.) Since you are running your own business, many of these costs are tax-deductible.
Benefits
I have a private dayhome and have managed on my own. Why should I go with your agency? Whether you are just starting out or have an established dayhome already, joining our agency offers many benefits. For instance, you’ll gain access to financial incentives such as government wage top up, child care subsidy and government grants for families and attracting families looking for licensed, monitored childcare.
What makes your agency unique? As a well-known dayhome agency with 35 years of experience, we’ve earned numerous accolades—including the Minister’s Award of Excellence in Child Development, Director of the Year, and Childcare Consultant of the Year. Our strong social media presence and private Facebook group help foster connection among our Educators. To involve parents in their child’s learning journey, we use the StoryPark app. At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that children are capable leaders in their own learning. Our practice is guided by the Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum Framework “Flight”.
Will I receive support from the agency? Definitely. In addition to help with getting set up, we provide ongoing support through monthly visits, workshops, and access to our private Facebook group. Moreover, our team is always available to answer questions and offer guidance.
