1.4 Government Structures and Regulatory Bodies

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

References

BC Government (n.d.). Fact Sheet: Child Care Licensing Regulation Community Care and Assisted Living Act. 
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/child-day-care/fact_sheet_-_role_of_licensee.pdf