What are the Different Types of Childcare (BC Edition)?

Did you know there are different types of childcare programs? Different programs differ based on various characteristics such as a child’s age, part-time or full-time care, group care, licensed or unlicensed childcare, etc. Understanding the different types of childcare can help you choose the right center for your child. Here are 6 types of childcare in British Columbia.

To understand the difference between licensed and unlicensed childcare facilities, you can check out our blog post using this link.

This type of childcare can range from a total of 12 to 25 children. Both programs offer full or part-time options.

1. A classroom of 12 children maximum usually indicates an infant and toddler program with children ranging from 3 years or younger.
2. A classroom of 25 children maximum can hold children from 30 months to school age. This usually is a 3 to 5 group daycare
3. Multi-age childcare can hold children ranging from birth to 12 years old with a limitation of 8 children.
4. If you’re looking for a center that would be located inside an owner’s home, in-home multi-age childcare or family childcare will seem like a cozier and more family-run. Children also range from birth to 12 years of age with a maximum of 7 to 8 children capacity.

1. This program is typically before and after school programs with the age range of children in kindergarten to age 12. This classroom can hold up to 20 to 25 children depending on the size of the classroom limitation.
2. There can also be school-age care which will have a maximum of 24 to 30 children depending on the different age groups present at the facility.

This type of program is operated with the school year schedule from September to June. The hours will vary from 1 to 4 hours or more like a half-day program. Children participating in the preschool program will range from 2.5 to school age with a classroom size of 20 children.

1. Occasional childcare can range from children 18 months or older. These classroom sizes range from 16 to 20 children depending on the age range of children. The catch with these programs is your child must attend for a minimum of 8 hours a day and no more than 40 hours in a single month.
2. Recreation childcare is for children who are school age or older (kindergarten or older). There are no size limitations in these class sizes if there is usable space available and sufficient for the health and safety of all. These programs are typically seasonal i.e., summer camps, outdoor sports camps, etc.