Licensed home child care provider

Working parents, including families using provincial child care fee reductions or subsidies where your province allows it with home providers.

Fees per child, set by you or by the agency or program rules. Regulated programs may also offer fee support, grants or other funding, so check what is available where you live.

• Patience and reliability with young children
• Record keeping and following standards
• Planning age-appropriate activities
• Clear communication with parents and inspectors

• Licensing, ratios, training and inspection rules differ by province and territory, and Quebec has its own system, so check with your regulator
• Agencies often take a share of fees or charge fees, so ask how pay is set
• Insurance requirements, so ask about liability cover
• Background checks for everyone in your household may be required
• Home zoning or landlord restrictions, so check with your municipality and landlord
• Long hours and little time off, so plan for backup care and holidays

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your home, your province's requirements and any agency fees. Ask about insurance requirements and how any agency sets pay.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $8,000, depending on your province and how many children you care for. Agencies often take a share of fees or charge fees, so ask how pay is set.

Licensing, ratios, training and inspection rules differ by province and territory, and Quebec has its own system, so check with your regulator. Also check insurance, household background checks, and home zoning or landlord restrictions.