Home-Based Child Care Licensing Process Flow Chart

PDF version of flow chart

STAGE 1: Starting the Licensing Process

After reading about the process for becoming a licensed home-based child care provider, I am now ready to apply. If I still want more information or to sign up for an information session in Winnipeg, I can call Child Care Information Services at 204-945-0776 or toll free at 1-888-213-4754 or email cdcinfo@gov.mb.ca. If I live outside of Winnipeg, I can contact my Child Care Coordinator, who will provide me with more information, in lieu of attending the information session.

Here is a checklist that I can use to organize and keep track of the documents required for my licensing application package:

• A complete licence application
• A complete Record of Child Care Residents for Licensed Family/Group Child Care Homes for each resident
• Background checks for each applicable resident

• Original results of the Criminal Record Check with a vulnerable sector search
• Criminal History Self Disclosure Statement and Information Release Consent

I need to submit the documents above to:

As part of the background checks listed above, all applicable residents in my home must also complete the:

• Child Abuse Registry Check and Prior Contact Check

I can obtain the Child Abuse Registry Check and Prior Contact Check forms from the Early Learning and Child Care Program by requesting them to be sent to me via mail. Call Child Care Information Services at 204-945-0776 or 1-888-213-4754 toll-free or e-mail cdcinfo@gov.mb.ca   

Do not submit the Child Abuse Registry Check and the Prior Contact Check forms to the Early Learning and Child Care Program with the rest of the licensing application package. You must submit these forms by mail or in person to:

Office hours: 8:30 to 4:30 am, Monday to Friday

 

If I am submitting these forms in person, I must present two pieces of valid, government-issued identification.

If I am submitting these forms by mail, I must send two photocopied pieces of valid, government-issued identification that are signed and dated by a Commissioner for Oaths, a Notary Public, or a professional  who witnessed my signature and saw the original identification. My witness must also provide contact information, including their occupation or designation, place of employment, address and a daytime telephone number where they can be reached.

There is a fee to process the Child Abuse Registry Check for the applicant(s)/licensee(s). Other unpaid residents in the home will have the fee waived. There is no fee for the Prior Contact Check.

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STAGE 2: Getting Assessed

After I have submitted my licensing application package, which includes the completed licence application, record of child care residents/staff for licensed family/group child care homes and the background check original results, the Early Learning and Child Care Program will assess my licensing application package.

The Early Learning and Child Care Program will inform you when you have reached this stage of the licensing process and may proceed to the next step.

Here is a checklist of the documents required for the next step of the process. You will be asked to:

• Complete and submit two reference checks

• The two references must be individuals who have observed you caring for children and they must be provided by someone other than relatives. Once completed, please send your two personal references to:
  
  
  Early Learning and Child Care Program
   
  210-114 Garry Street
  Winnipeg MB
  R3C 4V4 

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STAGE 3: Getting Licensed

Once my two reference checks have been approved by the Early Learning and Child Care Program, I will receive notice of the first licensing visit by Early Learning and Child Care Program staff to my home.

At this visit, I can expect:

• A basic health and safety check of my home
• Information and templates will be provided to help me through the licensing process, including: policy development, behavior management, program planning, safety planning, nutrition, interpretation of the legislation using the Best Practices Licensing Manual for Family and Group Child Care Homes

Throughout the licensing process, I will receive ongoing support from a child care coordinator.  

• Observations of me engaged with children
• Completion of a personal assessment by the Child Care Coordinator. There are 13 competencies standards for home-based providers covered in the personal assessment that the Child Care Coordinator completes through observation.
• Completion of the Family Child Care Home Inspection Checklist or Group Child Care Home Inspection Checklist.

The licensing process can take a number of months to complete: What can I work on during the process?

• Read the Best Practices Licensing Manual for Family and Group Child Homes
• Start writing your policies and procedures
• Take a CPR/First Aid course
• Begin a 40 hour ECE course
• Attend a workshop

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After I am licensed

Ongoing supports will be provided to me in my career as a licensed home-based child care provider, including:

• regular monitoring visits and contact with a child care coordinator from the Early Learning and Child Care Program staff
• workshops
• mentorship
• resources
• networking
• Child Care Online