Licensed home child care

Working parents, and in some provinces government fee subsidies or funded spaces paid on behalf of families.

Daily, weekly or monthly fee per child. Income depends on how many spaces you are allowed and whether your province sets or caps fees.

• Patience and warmth with young children
• Organising routines, meals and activities
• Clear, professional communication with parents

• Provincial licensing or agency rules, which differ widely and Quebec has its own system
• Municipal zoning or home-based business rules, and landlord or condo permission if you rent
• Commercial general liability insurance and home insurance that covers child care
• Police record and vulnerable sector checks, plus first aid certification
• Fee rules and subsidy or funded-space requirements in your province
• Long days and little time off, so plan backup care for illness or holidays

Estimates typically put startup costs at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your province's requirements, safety equipment, toys and how you set up your home. Also check fee rules and subsidy or funded-space requirements in your province.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $2,500 to $9,000, depending on how many children you care for and your province's fee rules. Plan for at least about 40 hours a week, with long days and little time off.

Check provincial licensing or agency rules, which differ widely, and Quebec has its own system. Also check municipal zoning or home business rules, landlord or condo permission, insurance covering child care, police record and vulnerable sector checks, and first aid certification.