1.4 Government Structures and Regulatory Bodies

Government Structures and Regulatory Bodies

There are several government ministries, regulatory bodies, and programs that are integral to overseeing and supporting the Early Learning and Childcare sector in British Columbia. These organizations ensure that childcare services meet regulatory standards, oversee financial support programs and foster professional development for educators. The most influential are the Ministry of Education and Child Care, the Ministry of Health and the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registry. In this section, you will explore how these collectively contribute to building a system of quality, accessible, and inclusive early childhood education in the province.

Municipal Governments

Municipal governments have specific regulations and bylaws related to child care. Your local government’s website will most likely have a link to these bylaws. It is important to consider these when looking to open or expand a child care centre. 

In some instances, you may not be able to obtain a business license due to bylaws. Some examples of bylaws you need to consider related to child care include: 

• Zoning, development, building permits

• Building signage

• Business licence

• Parking 

• Fire safety and emergency planning

Ministry of Education and Child Care

The Ministry of Education and Childcare is responsible for policy development related to the early years and childcare. 

This Ministry of Education outlines the Early Learning and Child Care Act (2024, Dec). It creates and oversees funding programs, supports the creation of early years programming in School districts and the community, and oversees the overall child care system. 

Explore the B.C. Childcare Strategy and review the progress that has been made since it launched.

Additional resources provided by the Ministry of Education and Childcare include: 

1. BC's Early Learning Framework (ELF)
2. Play today Family Guide, including these resource packs: 

• Lets-play-communication.pdf
• Lets-play-engagement.pdf
• Lets-play-identities.pdf
• Lets-play-well-being.pdf

• Ready, Set, Learn is a program run through the School Districts for three-to five-year-old children and their families. Its goal is to foster positive connections between families, the school system, and local community agencies (Ministry of Education and Childcare). 

• Strong Startis a drop-in play program for caregivers and children five and under. In this program, children engage with an Early Childhood Educator, other children, and their caregivers in play-based activities. 

Ministry of Health Licensing Regulations

Child care licensing, run by health authorities, is responsible for licensing child care centres, site inspections, and health and safety compliance. They ensure that childcare sites are in compliance with the Child Care Licensing Regulation. 

Centre Management in Early Childcare and Education explores the role of licensing and the regulations in more depth from an on-the-floor perspective. If you are interested in learning more about licensing, please see that course. These regulations are based on the  Community Care and Assisted Living Act. 

Typically, the licensee of the childcare centre is the owner or administrator. This is who applied for the centre’s licence. It is important to understand the responsibilities of the Licensee. Read this BC Government fact sheet about Child Care Licensing Regulation to understand better what is expected of licensees and what is required to meet and continue to meet all licensing requirements.

Administrative roles related to licensing in childcare often include ensuring: 

• Staff files are up to date, accurate and complete including up-to-date certification, resume, references, first aid and criminal record checks etc. 

• Children’s files and enrolment forms are up-to-date, complete and accurate. 

• All records and logs are used by staff are up-to-date, including attendance, fire and earthquake drills, minor incidents, etc. 

• Adequate and qualified staff are scheduled to be at the centre

Activity 1.4 | Staffing Regulations

It is important that everyone working in a leadership role understands the requirements for ratios and staffing. 

In this activity, you will use information from the Child Care Licensing Regulation, related explicitly to Part Three (3), "Manager and Employee Requirements," to answer the questions provided:

1. You have a new staff member starting this week. What are the required documents that you need to keep on file for staff and volunteers? 

2. What are the education course requirements for an ECEA? 

3. What is the minimum age requirement for a responsible adult, and what are the education requirements? 

4. Can a manager manage two childcare centres (care facilities?)

Early Childhood Educator Registry

After watching the video, navigate to the ECE registry to find: 

1. Where you would validate an employee's certificate to practice 

2. The process for where you would file a complaint against an ECE if needed. What is that process and why might you need to make a complaint? 

The B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care (2024, Dec 18). My ECE Registry. [YouTube]. CC-BY.

Government of British Columbia. (2025, January 24). Become an early childhood educator. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/teach/training-and-professional-development/become-an-early-childhood-educator