Steps To Starting a Licensed Child Care Program

• Choose a prospective location; survey the area to be certain there is a need for your service.
• Check with the Zoning Department in your municipality to make sure that the area is zoned for day care.
• Make an appointment for the MCYS Program Advisor to visit your prospective centre to see if it is suitable for day care, and make suggestions about any renovations that may be necessary.
• Present the floor plans of your centre to the Program Advisor for approval
• Under the direction of the Program Advisor, you must arrange to have your premises inspected by the Building, Fire and Health Departments in your municipality.
• Purchase a copy of the Day Nurseries Act or DNA. (Available from the Government Book Store at 880 Bay Street in Toronto or call 1-800-668-9938.) It outlines the regulations that must be followed in order for a Day Nursery to meet regulatory requirements.

Before your centre can be licensed, the following procedures must be completed:

• The Program Advisor must have written approval of your premises from the Zoning, Fire and Health Departments.
• Hire the required number of qualified staff and submit a record of their qualifications.
• Equip your centre and submit a list of inventory.
• Submit a copy of your proposed timetable.
• Submit two copies of your incorporation papers (if applicable).
• Submit a list of the current officers of the board (if applicable).
• Submit a copy of your proposed child admission form and medical form.
• Fill out an application for license and accompany it with a cheque for $15 (payable to the Minister of Finance) to the Day Nurseries Office.
• A written statement outlining the program philosophy and method of operations setting out services offered, age range, times open, holidays, etc.
• A written daily program plan showing group and individual activities, active and quiet play and activities that promote gross motor and fine motor skills, language and cognitive and social and emotional development.