My Story...

When my four-year-old needed daycare, it was surprisingly difficult to find an affordable option, even though I was already working in childcare. My hourly wage simply couldn’t cover the cost of putting my own child in daycare. I didn’t want to end up spending most of my earnings on childcare fees. Thankfully, my husband could care for her after my shift started, which helped us avoid the need for a high-cost center. But with both of us needing to work to manage our budget and improve our family’s life, we knew we needed to find a solution.

Fortunately, we found a government-approved daycare near our home, which made drop-offs much easier before work. We didn’t have a lot of interaction with the owner, but it was a good fit for us. This experience was very different from when my first child was young. Back then, I wasn’t working, so my parents provided care, but we missed out on government grants that could have helped us afford better childcare.

Now that I run my own daycare, I make it a priority to share this knowledge with other parents. I inform them about government-funded programs that can ease the financial burden of childcare. I also encourage parents to engage in their children’s daycare activities, as these programs can be pivotal to their children’s growth and development.

I also help parents understand what Early Childhood Education (ECE) is all about. ECE isn’t just daycare; it’s a foundation for learning and a crucial stage in a child’s life. Through play and structured activities, children learn social and emotional skills, physical coordination, language and literacy, cognitive skills, and even critical thinking. These are essential life skills that help children succeed in school and beyond.

So, for parents who may think early childhood education is just “play,” know that it’s actually a vital part of development. It’s about giving children the best possible start and preparing them for a bright future.

It can be difficult to begin your search for childcare, or you may simply be unsure where to begin. When looking for childcare, keep the following things in mind. The "Choosing Child Care" guide to licensed and authorized childcare in Alberta is another fantastic resource.

Positive Environment

Look for an inviting home environment with children's artwork on display, as well as positive interactions between the day home educator and your child.

Day home Educator

Both the parent and the kid must meet the day home educator and tour the facility.

Meals and Snacks

Discuss the kind of snacks and lunches that will be given with the day home Educator. Inquire whether they have a weekly or monthly menu available for viewing. Ask if they can meet your child's special dietary needs (food allergies, gluten-free, etc.).

Activities

Talk to the day home educator about daily indoor and outdoor activities, as well as field trips and where the children will spend the majority of their time.