Licensed Home Child Care
For Parents
Resources for Parents
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System (CWELCC)
As an eligible licensed child care program, CROW Licensed Home Child Care has been approved to participate in the CWELCC System in Ontario.
At the end of March 2022, the Ontario government reached an agreement with the federal government on a national child care plan (CWELCC) that will support Ontario to achieve average fees of $10/12 per day over the next few years. All Ontario families with children under 6 years of age in participating licensed child care programs, received a fee reduction of 25% (to a minimum of $12 per day) in the fall of 2022. Another reduction was made as of December 31st, 2022, lowering child care fees by 52.75% of their original rates.
What is Licensed Home Child Care?
Licensed Home Child Care is child care in a home setting that meets legislated standards set out by the Province of Ontario. We work together with parents and child care providers to ensure the best possible care for the children. Early Childhood Educators from Children’s Resources on Wheels (CROW) offer training for Providers, introduce families to Providers, ensure legislated standards and CROW Policies are followed and provide support for both Parents and Providers. Licensed Home Child Care is available for children between 6 weeks and 13 years of age requiring care in Lanark County.
Benefits of Home Child Care
✓ My child will be in a safe, stimulating home setting that meets legislated standards.
✓ My child will be placed with a provider who has had a criminal reference check, a Family and Children’s Services Check, and has been screened through interviews and home assessments.
✓ I will receive tax receipts for my child’s care and I can apply for subsidy through the County of Lanark.
✓ I will receive updates about my child from the Home Visitor who visits the provider’s home.
✓ My child will be with a person who has completed First Aid and CPR training. My child will be in a home that has been inspected by the Fire Department.
✓ My child will enjoy outdoor play, individual attention, and a caring environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CROW?
Children’s Resources on Wheels (CROW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening child care, family life, child development, and community links in Lanark County. We currently provide families with two main streams of service: Licensed Home Child Care and the EarlyON Child and Family Centre.
What is CROW Licensed Home Child Care?
The Ministry of Education licenses private-home day care agencies like CROW. These agencies then contract individual caregivers (providers) who offer child care out of their home. These providers may care for up to six children (including their own under the age of 4) from the ages of 6 weeks and up to 13 years as set out by the Child Care & Early Years Act 2014. For more information go to our website www.crowlanark.com or telephone 613-283-0095 (toll-free 1-800-267-9252) extension 306.
Where will my child be placed?
The Home Visitor will try to place your child with a provider that is located near your home, school, or work.
What does a Home Visitor do?
Child care providers are screened (approved), monitored and supported by people called “home visitors”. Home visitors have training in early childhood education, child development, and/or family studies. They check that the home is safe for children according to child behaviour management, nutrition, health, sanitary practices, and the handling of serious occurrences as set out in the Child Care & Early Years Act, 2014.
How often does a Home Visitor visit the provider’s home?
The Child Care & Early Years Act, 2014 requires a home visitor to visit once every three months. CROW strives to visit every other month.
What is the cost of care?
Child care fees vary depending on the age of your child; the length of time they are in care; whether care is required on weekends or starts before 6 am or continues after 6 pm; or whether overnight care is required.
How will I be billed for my child care?
Payments are by pre-authorized debit, every two weeks. Details will be provided at the time of enrolment.
Can I access subsidy if I go through CROW?
Parents using licensed child care programs in Lanark County including CROW Licensed Home Child Care have access to child care subsidy through Lanark County Child Care Services. For more information, please call 613-267-4200 extension 2302 or 1-888-952-6275 to find out if your family would qualify and how to apply. If you live in the neighbouring United Counties of Leeds Grenville contact 1-800-267-8146 extension 2361 for more information regarding subsidy.
How do I meet the CROW provider?
A visit is scheduled where the family can meet the provider. After the visit, if the parent or provider does not feel that it is the right match then another caregiver can be arranged depending on availability.
I have more than one child, can they be placed together?
Yes, this is an advantage of choosing home child care. If the provider has space siblings will be kept together.
What if I need care for my school age child?
Some providers offer before and after school care including summer and school holidays.
What if I need weekends, or late or early hour care?
We try to accommodate the needs of parents. Some of the providers may offer extended hours.
What kind of set up and/or programming does the caregiver offer?
All of the providers follow the Child Care & Early Years Act, 2014 according to rules and regulations. The providers personalize their program with regards to activities, variety of toys, field trips, walks, and daily schedule. All licensed child care programs follow the Ministry of Education’s pedagogy for early years programming called How Does Learning Happen? which is a resource about learning through relationships for those who work with young children. Children succeed in settings where they actively learn through exploration, play and inquiry.
What do I have to bring to the provider's?
Families with children still in diapers are required to supply all diapers and/or wipes as needed for their child. An extra set (or two) of clothes (plus outdoor wear according to weather conditions) in case of accidents or messy play for all ages is recommended. Sunscreen, diaper cream, etc. are all the responsibility of the child’s family.
Does the provider supply food?
In a typical day, the provider will serve a morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon snack, following recommendations of the Canada Food Guide. Menus are shared with parents. In case of special diets/allergies parents need to supply their own food. Food and milk (bottles) for infants are supplied by the parents.
What if I have a concern about my child’s provider?
We strongly encourage communication between the parent and provider. However, under certain circumstances the Home Visitor should be called to help mediate.
Do you have a provider who would come into my home?
No, in our program the providers are contracted and regulated to care for children in the provider’s own home.
I have a neighbour down the street that cares for children. Can my child go to that home?
There are caregivers in the community who care for children privately and are not affiliated with an agency. We only place children in provider homes who contract their services with CROW Licensed Home Child Care.
What is the difference between CROW Home Child Care and Unlicensed Child Care?
Follow this link for a complete description of Licensed Home Child Care versus Unlicensed Child Care.
Is transportation provided?
It is the responsibility of the parent to drop-off and pick-up their child. School age children either walk or take the school bus. Some providers offer field trips during the day; they use their own vehicle. The providers are only allowed to transport children if they have car seats (supplied by the parent) and the parent’s permission.
Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
Ensure the Business of CROW is conducted in a manner that will reflect the organization’s mission and guiding principles.
Maintain and pursue all efforts to achieve a sound financial position for CROW.
In carrying out its responsibilities, the Board delegates to management responsibility for the day‐to‐day operations of Children’s Resources on Wheels. Board members serve on a volunteer basis and the Board’s role is one of governance, oversight and providing strategic direction to the organization. The Board will develop and actively maintain appropriate personnel policies and procedures that will guide the approach and activities of its personnel.