Overview Module One

Welcome to Module 1: Overview of Administration and Operation, Childcare Governance and Regulatory Bodies 

In this module, participants will explore various governance structures, including private ownership, board-run, not-for-profit, corporate, and family childcare models, while gaining a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of government regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Education and Childcare, the ECE Registry, and Licensing authorities.

Participants will also focus on financial management, equipping participants with skills to develop budgets, identify funding opportunities, and navigate ministry funding agreements, including programs like subsidy, wage enhancements, $10-a-day initiatives, and supportive child care development funding.

Participants will explore human resource management topics, including hiring practices, understanding ECE certification levels, meeting staffing requirements, conducting evaluations, maintaining compliance with labour laws, and adhering to operational and marketing regulations as per licensing standards.  

Learning outcomes serve as a valuable resource to guide your learning journey and ensure you can maximize your learning experience. The primary purpose of this section is to clearly communicate the intended learning outcomes of Module One: Overview of Administration and Operation, Childcare Governance and Regulatory Bodies.  

The learning outcomes for Module One align with the content, activities, and assessments you will encounter throughout Module One, enabling you to track your growth and identify improvement opportunities. 

After completing all activities within Module One, participants will: 

• Examine different childcare governance and operational models, such as private ownership, board-run, not-for-profit, corporate, and family child care.
• Articulate the roles and responsibilities of key government regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Education and Childcare, the ECE Registry, and Licensing authorities, and apply this knowledge to administrative operational processes in childcare settings.

Module One Activities

The activities within Module One include:

• ACTIVITY 1.1 | Roles and Responsibilities Reflect on the roles of childcare managers by listing and comparing key responsibilities, identifying overlaps, surprises, and areas of confidence.
• ACTIVITY  1.2 | Types of Childcare Explore the Government of British Columbia’s resources to understand better the various types of childcare available in the province.
• ACTIVITY 1.3 | ECE Occupational Competencies Explore BC’s occupational competencies and First Nations standards for ECEs, then reflect on how these frameworks can guide discussions about program strengths, areas for growth, and how children's rights are upheld in your setting. 
• ACTIVITY 1.4 | Staffing Regulations Review the Child Care Licensing Regulations to guide your responses to questions about staffing requirements, qualifications, and managerial responsibilities in licensed childcare settings.

Self-Reflection Activity | Organizational Strategies 

Take a moment to pause and reflect on your organizational practices as a leader. While juggling responsibilities like staff scheduling, family communication, and ensuring compliance with protocols, it's essential to evaluate how your tools, systems, and habits support your effectiveness. 

Find a quiet, comfortable space to reflect on these prompts: 

• What tools, systems, or habits do you currently use to stay organized, and how do they impact your leadership? 

• How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?

• What areas of your organizational skills could improve?

• How might your organizational strategies set an example for your team?