Licensed Child Care Facility Start-Up Grants

The start-up grants program is designed to increase the number of licensed child care spaces available to B.C. families by supporting existing unlicensed child care providers, as well as individuals new or returning to the child care sector, who wish to begin operating a licensed Family or In-Home Multi-Age (IHMA) child care facility. The grants assist with the costs associated with obtaining a Community Care Facility Licence to operate a licensed child care facility.

Benefits of becoming licensed include:

·      By becoming licensed, providers may care for up to seven children under a Family child care licence, or up to eight children under an IHMA licence.

·      Families with children attending licensed settings may be eligible for a higher Affordable Child Care Benefit  rate than in unlicensed child care settings

·      Becoming licensed offers eligibility for a wider range of funding programs, including:

o   Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF)

o   Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI)

Who can apply? Eligible applicants include:

  • ECEs, RLNR and LNR operators, and eligible adults over the age of 19 who wish to begin operating a licenced Family or In-Home Multi-Age Child Care facility;

And who:

  • are in good standing with the Ministry of Children and Family Development;

  • are in good standing with the BC Corporate Registry (if applicable);

  • do not hold, currently or within the last 12 months, a valid licence under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act;

  • are willing to participate in the Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) program and, where eligible, enroll in the Child Care Reduction Fee Initiative (CCFRI);

  • have not previously received a Start-Up Grant;

  • are in good standing with the Early Childhood Educator Registry (if a valid ECE certificate is held); and/or

  • are in good standing with their local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Agency (if applicable).

The Government of BC website at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/running-daycare-preschool/start-up-grants

includes information on a number of FAQs for those interested in further exploring this option, along with the application process.

While there is no deadline for applications, the Start-Up Grants will be subject to the availability of funding. Individuals who are interested in the program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure their applications can be properly considered.

Jessica Campbell