For parents new to Edmonton, finding a quality daycare is often one of the first practical challenges they face. Depending on whether both parents work, whether one parent plans to return to work after parental leave, or whether the child needs socialization before starting school, finding a kindergarten becomes a priority.
However, the kindergarten system in Canada, and specifically in Edmonton, is significantly different from what parents may be used to in their home countries. The system is private and public, varying in type of services, cost, quality, and accessibility. For parents who are new to Canada, understanding this system can be difficult and confusing.
In this detailed article, we will take a closer look at everything parents need to know about finding a daycare in Edmonton. We will discuss the types of daycare available in the city, how to find daycare, cost and funding, how to evaluate the quality of a daycare, and how to prepare your child for daycare.
Understanding the Daycare System in Canada and Alberta
Terms and Definitions
First, it's important to understand the terms used to describe different types of services for children. In Canada, early childhood systems are often divided into “Early Childhood Development Services” or “Early Learning Services.”
These services may include preschools, daycares, after-school care programs, and other services for preschool and school-aged children. In addition, there are also “Early Childhood Development Centres” or “Early Learning Centres” that offer combined programs.
In this article, we will focus primarily on daycare centers and preschools, as these are the most common types of services for children aged a few months to five years.
The role of government in the childcare system
Unlike some countries where daycare centres are partly public services, in Canada the childcare system is predominantly private. This means that most daycare centres are run by private companies or charitable organizations, not by the government.
However, the Alberta provincial government does play a role in regulating the system. The government sets quality standards for daycare centers, staff qualification requirements, and safety and hygiene requirements. In addition, the government provides some funding to subsidize daycare centers for low-income families.
Types of daycare centers and services in Edmonton
Private daycare centers
The most common type of daycare in Edmonton is private daycare centers. These are independent companies run by a private organization or individual entrepreneur. Private daycare centres can range from large centres with their own buildings and complementary services to smaller home-based daycare centres where a few adults care for children in a home environment.
Private daycare centres in Edmonton vary greatly in cost and quality of services. Some private daycare centres are designed to be recreational and include a variety of recreational programs. Other daycare centres are designed more as “babysitting” facilities, where children are primarily supervised and recreational programs are limited.
In addition to basic childcare services, some private daycares also offer an “educational program” or “early learning program,” where children are actively taught through play and structured activities.
Workplace daycares
Some large employers in Edmonton, such as companies and institutions, offer daycares for their employees. These daycares are located at or near the employer's location, making them very convenient for working parents.
Workplace daycares often have several advantages. First, parents can pick up their children during their break or lunch hour. Second, these daycares are often subsidized by the employer, making them less expensive than private daycares. Third, these daycares often have higher quality standards, as the employer has an interest in providing quality services for its employees.
However, not all employers offer daycare, and these daycares often have long waiting lists.
Seminar daycares
Another type of childcare that exists in Edmonton is “family daycare” (family child care or home-based child care). In this type of child care, children are cared for by one or more adults in a private home, often the caregiver's home.
Family daycare centers often accept fewer children than center-based daycare centers, which means that children often receive more personalized care. Family daycare often has a more home-like environment, which can be beneficial for children who prefer a less institutional setting.
On the other hand, family daycare may have less regulated service quality, as it is run by an individual caregiver in a private home rather than an organization with many staff and quality processes.
Cooperative daycares
Another type of childcare that is common in Canada and even some parts of Edmonton is “cooperative daycare” or “co-op daycare.” In this type of childcare, parents are co-owners and are actively involved in the management and operation of the daycare.
In cooperative daycares, parents often do not pay the full cost of services because they themselves work at the daycare. Parents are often required to do a few hours of work per week at the daycare, such as supervising children, cleaning, organizing events, and more.
Cooperative daycares are often less expensive than private daycares, and they often have more personal and supportive communities because parents are actively involved. However, cooperative daycares often have long waiting lists and require significantly more involvement from parents.
Private School Programs
Some private schools in Edmonton also offer preschool programs and early learning programs for children under the age of five. These programs are often designed for children whose parents plan to enroll them in private school, and they are often designed to prepare children for school.
Private school programs often have an educational component and they often spend more time on structured activities and learning than standard daycares. However, they are also often more expensive than standard daycares.
Part-time preschool programs
In addition to full-day preschools, Edmonton also has part-time preschool programs. These programs are often held three days a week, for a few hours a day, and are designed for children aged three to five.
Part-time preschool programs often have an educational component and are designed to prepare children for school. They are often less expensive than full-day preschools because parents only need care for part of the day.
Special Care Programs
In some cases, parents need flexible care programs, such as evening care programs, weekend programs, emergency care programs, or programs for children with special needs. Some daycares in Edmonton offer these special programs.
Special care programs are often more expensive than standard programs because they require more flexible schedules or specialized staff. However, for parents who need these services, they are invaluable.
How to find a daycare in Edmonton
Online portals and databases
One of the most effective ways to find a daycare in Edmonton is to use online portals and databases. These portals allow parents to search for daycares by location, cost, type of services, and other criteria.
One of the largest online portals for finding daycares in Alberta is the Alberta Government Child Care Search. On this website, parents can search for licensed daycares throughout Alberta, including Edmonton. The website provides information about the daycare's location, contact information, cost, hours of operation, and other useful information.
Another useful resource is ChildcareTO.ca or similar websites that offer comparisons and information about daycares. Although this particular website focuses on Toronto, there are similar websites for Edmonton.
In addition, local websites and community forums often have information about daycares. For example, the City of Edmonton website often has information about licensed daycares. In addition to this, local forums on Reddit, Facebook, and other social media sites often have recommendations from parents about daycares they have used.
Contact local organizations and advisors
Another way to find daycare centres is to contact local organizations and advisors. The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) and other newcomer organizations often have information about daycare centres and can help parents find services.
In addition, some municipal information centers and family centers can provide information about daycares and other services for children and families.
Recommendations from parents and communities
Often, the best recommendations for daycares come from other parents. Newcomer parents can ask other parents for their recommendations about daycares they have used.
In addition, the Ukrainian community in Edmonton often has its own network of recommendations and mutual assistance. On Ukrainian Facebook groups and other Ukrainian gathering places, parents often share recommendations about daycares and other local resources.
Direct visits and research
Once parents have found a few potential preschools, they should visit them in person. Many preschools offer tours where parents can see the facilities, meet the staff, and get an idea of how the preschool operates.
During the visit, parents should pay attention to several aspects. First, the cleanliness and safety of the premises. Second, the quality of the staff—do they appear qualified, and do they interact positively with the children? Third, the types of activities and programs offered. Fourth, the size of the group of children and the ratio of children to staff. Fifth, the schedule and flexibility of services. Sixth, the cost and payment options.
Cost of daycares and funding
Cost of daycare in Edmonton
The cost of daycare in Edmonton varies greatly depending on the type of services, the quality of the daycare center, the age of the child, and the location of the daycare center. However, in general, daycare centers in Edmonton are expensive.
For a full-time daycare (from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., five days a week), the cost typically ranges from $550 to $1,200 per month for a child between the ages of one and five. Some premium daycares can cost even more.
For seminar-style preschool programs, the cost often ranges from $200 to $500 per month.
It is important to note that these costs often do not include meals, snacks, extracurricular activities, or other ancillary services that the daycare center may charge separately.
Government Subsidies
The Province of Alberta and the City of Edmonton offer some subsidies for low-income families who need childcare services. However, the amount of the subsidy is often limited, and many parents find that the subsidy does not fully cover the cost of daycare.
Parents who believe they may be eligible for a subsidy should contact the City of Edmonton or the provincial Ministry of Education for information on how to apply for a subsidy.
Employer subsidy programs
Some employers in Edmonton offer daycare subsidy programs for their employees. These programs may include direct childcare subsidies, flexible spending accounts for childcare, or partnerships with daycares that offer discounts to employees.
Working parents should ask their employer about the availability of such programs.
Tax credits and other forms of financial assistance
At the federal level, the Canadian government offers the Canada Child Benefit and Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), which can help parents with the costs of raising and educating their children. Parents should make sure they apply for all available federal and provincial tax credits and assistance programs.
How to evaluate the quality of a daycare center
Licensing and regulation
First and foremost, parents should make sure that the daycare center they are considering is licensed. In Alberta, all daycare centers that accept more than four children (excluding the caregiver's own children) must be licensed by the province.
Licensing means that the daycare centre has been inspected and meets provincial standards for safety, hygiene, staff quality, and other aspects.
Parents can check whether a daycare centre is licensed on the Alberta provincial website or by contacting the provincial Ministry of Education.
Staff qualifications
Another important factor is staff qualifications. Parents should ask about the education and qualifications of the staff who will be caring for their child. In Alberta, licensed daycares must have staff with minimum qualifications, but standards can vary.
Ideally, staff should have training in early childhood development, child development, education, or related fields. Staff should also be certified in first aid and CPR.
In addition to formal education, parents should also assess whether the staff is loving, patient, and understanding with children. Staff should interact positively with children, be responsive to children's needs, and show signs that they genuinely care about the children.
Child-to-staff ratio
Another important factor is the child-to-staff ratio. Fewer children per adult means that each child receives more individual attention. Parents should ask about the maximum child-to-staff ratio at the daycare center.
In Alberta, licensed daycares have maximum ratios depending on the age of the children. For example, for children under two years of age, the maximum ratio is often one adult for every three children. For children between two and five years of age, the maximum ratio is often one adult for every eight children.
Safety and Hygiene
Parents should pay special attention to the safety and hygiene of the daycare centre. The premises should be clean and free of hazards. There should be appropriate processes for sanitation and hygiene, such as hand washing, diaper changing, and toy disinfection. Parents should also ask about safety measures, such as security systems at the entrance, procedures for dealing with noise, and procedures for medical emergencies.
Nature of Activities and Programs
Parents should also ask about the types of activities and programs offered. A good daycare should offer a variety of activities that develop various aspects of a child's development, such as physical development, cognitive development, emotional development, and social development.
Activities should include play, which is the primary way children learn and develop. Activities should also include creativity, such as art, music, and drama. Activities should also include physical exercise and outdoor time.
Some preschools offer specialized programs, such as language education programs, STEM programs, bilingual programs, or special education programs. Parents should ask if such programs are available.
Communication with Parents
Another important aspect of a quality preschool is communication with parents. Parents should ask how the preschool communicates with parents about their child's progress. Are there daily reports about what the child did, how they ate and slept? Are there regular meetings between parents and staff to discuss the child's development?
A good kindergarten should have regular communication with parents and be open to discussing any concerns parents may have about their child.
Reputation and reviews from other parents
Finally, parents should research the reputation of the kindergarten and ask for reviews from other parents whose children attend or have attended the kindergarten. Parents can ask the kindergarten staff for recommendations from other parents, or they can search for reviews online.
Positive reviews often mention the staff's love for children, cleanliness and safety, a variety of activities, good communication with parents, and positive outcomes for children. Negative reviews may mention safety issues, inadequate staff, harshness or lack of empathy toward children, or communication problems.
The kindergarten registration process
Registration and waiting lists
Once parents have decided which kindergarten they want to enroll their child in, they usually have to register. Many kindergartens have waiting lists, especially popular ones, so parents often have to register many months before they need the service.
Parents should ask the kindergarten about the registration process, the cost of registration (some kindergartens charge a registration fee), and an estimate of when a place might become available.
Application and documentation
When a place becomes available, parents must complete an application and provide documentation. Documentation typically includes parent contact information, the child's medical history, emergency contact information, and information about any special needs or arrangements for the child.
Parents must also provide information about how the child will be picked up from the daycare center and how parents will interact with the daycare center regarding communication and problem solving.
Orientation Period
When a child first starts attending daycare, there is usually an “orientation period” or “settling-in period.” During this period, the child gradually begins attending daycare, often with parents present to help the child adjust to the new environment.
The adjustment period often begins with short visits, perhaps an hour or two, where parents stay with their child. Then parents gradually allow their child to stay alone for longer periods of time. This process can take several days or weeks, depending on how the child adapts.
The adjustment period is very important for the child to develop confidence in the new environment and form positive relationships with the kindergarten staff.
Special considerations for newly arrived children
Language considerations
For children who are just learning English, parents should ask the kindergarten how it supports language development. Are there staff members who speak the child's language? Does the kindergarten consider the child's language to be the primary language? Is the program designed so that the child can develop English as they adapt?
In addition, parents should ask how the kindergarten communicates with parents. If parents do not speak English well, they should make sure that the kindergarten staff can communicate with them in a way they understand, possibly through an interpreter.
Cultural considerations
Another important consideration for newly arrived children is how the preschool embraces cultural diversity. Parents should ask whether the kindergarten celebrates a variety of cultural holidays, whether the kindergarten includes books and materials that represent a variety of cultures, and whether the staff is trained in working with children from different cultural backgrounds.
A good kindergarten should be inclusive and embrace cultural diversity as a positive thing.
Adjusting to a new environment
For newly arrived children who may already be experiencing significant changes in their lives (a new home, a new country, possibly a new language), preschool can be an additional change. Parents should be especially patient and supportive during the preschool adjustment process.
Parents should ask the kindergarten how they will support their child during the adaptation process and how they will inform parents about their child's progress. A good kindergarten should have experience working with newly arrived children and understand the special needs of these children.
Advice for parents preparing for kindergarten
Preparing for the first day
Parents should prepare their child for their first day at kindergarten. Parents can tell their child about what will happen at kindergarten, that there will be other children and adults there, that their child will play and learn, and that their parents will return to pick them up at the end of the day.
Parents can also visit the kindergarten with their child before the first day so that the child can get to know the premises and the staff.
Establishing a routine
Parents should establish a consistent morning routine before kindergarten. A consistent routine helps the child feel confident and ready to start the day. The routine should include time for breakfast, getting dressed, and a calm ride to daycare.
Practicing separation
Parents, especially those who are close to their child, may find separation difficult. Parents should practice short periods of separation with their child before the child starts daycare. For example, parents can leave their child with another family member for an hour or two.
During the separation, parents should be positive and confident. The child will pick up on the parent's emotions—if the parent is anxious, the child will be anxious. If the parent is confident and positive, the child is more likely to have a positive experience.
Emotional Support
Finally, parents should provide emotional support to their child during the transition to kindergarten. Parents should recognize that their child may feel sad, angry, or anxious during the adjustment period. Parents should be understanding and patient, and help their child work through their emotions.
Parents should also talk regularly with their child about their experience at kindergarten. Parents should ask their child what they did, who they played with, and how they felt. This communication helps parents understand their child's experience and helps the child feel seen and heard.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
Separation and separation anxiety
One of the most common challenges in kindergarten is separation anxiety. A child may not want to be separated from their parents, especially if it is the first time the child has been separated from their parents for an extended period of time.
To overcome this challenge, parents need to be consistent. They need to tell their child that they will be back to pick them up at the end of the day, and they need to keep their word and return at the promised time. Parents should also tell their child positive things about kindergarten and how much fun they will have there.
Parents should also avoid prolonging the goodbye. A quick, positive goodbye is often less traumatic than a long goodbye with lots of tears.
Earaches and other illnesses
Another challenge is the increased incidence of illness in children in daycare. Children in daycare often have more colds, earaches, and other infections because they are in close proximity to many other children.
To minimize the risk of illness, parents should make sure that the kindergarten has good hygiene practices, and parents should follow the kindergarten staff's advice on preventing illness.
Behavioral Changes
Some children may exhibit behavioral changes when they start kindergarten. A child may become more defiant, more confrontational with siblings, or may exhibit other behavioral changes. These changes are often temporary and are partly due to the stress of adjusting to a new environment.
Parents should be patient and understanding, and they should communicate with the kindergarten staff about any behavioral changes. If the behavioral changes continue or become more serious, parents should consult a child psychologist or pediatrician for an evaluation.
Difficulties with adjustment
Some children have difficulty adjusting to daycare. The child may continue to cry when parents leave, or the child may not participate in daycare activities.
If a child has difficulty adjusting, parents should communicate with daycare staff and develop an adjustment plan. The adjustment plan may include more adjustment time, fewer hours for the first few days, or other supportive strategies.
Conclusion
Finding a daycare in Edmonton is a complex process that requires research, evaluation, and planning. However, with the right information and resources, parents can find a quality kindergarten that is right for their child.
Key steps include researching available options, evaluating quality and safety, considering cost and available subsidies, and preparing the child for the transition to kindergarten.
Parents should also keep in mind that a quality daycare will have a positive impact on their child's development, including social skills, language development, and cognitive development. Furthermore, a quality daycare allows parents to work or manage other responsibilities knowing that their child is safe and in good hands.
For parents new to Edmonton, understanding the childcare system and being actively involved in the kindergarten selection process will greatly help ensure their child's successful adaptation to Canada and lay a solid foundation for the child's future growth and development.