Innovative Childcare
We’re into our second year, and with steady increases in attending families, and some targeted program adjustments, I’m really happy with the direction our business has been going. The response to our concept – licensed, quality childcare on a flexible occasional schedule – has been enthusiastic, but we’ve also received feedback about where we still need to go.
At least once a week, I hear from families who love the flexibility, but who ask for more than 40 hours per month. So, while Johanna prepares the preschoolers’ program, and Lawrence works on his aquaponic project, I’ve decided to keep a log documenting my attempts to answer this request.
Facts Pertaining to My Quest:
1. Occasional Childcare License limits the number of hours a child may be in care to 40 per month.
2. Group Care Licenses and Preschool Licenses have narrower age ranges, and some requirements for outside space.
3. The Community Care Licensing Regulations prohibit exemptions to the number of hours of care.
Lawrence turned up a tip about Alberta’s childcare licensing: As well as the standard licenses (Home Care, Group Care, Out of School Care, Preschool, etc.), the Chief Medical Officer has the authority to grant an “Innovative License” to a “childcare program that specifically meets the unique needs of the community served.”
If you know anything about Buddings, you might already agree that we are pretty innovative, but for the record, let me be perfectly clear, I want an Innovative Childcare License. I am making this my mission for 2013.
