Increased Standards for the Child Care Sector

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The Early Learning and Child Care Amendment Regulation (Alberta Regulation 223/2024) introduces comprehensive changes to the existing framework governing early learning and child care in Alberta. The regulation aims to improve standards, compliance, and transparency across various aspects of child care. Among the notable updates is the incorporation of the Family Day Homes Standards Manual for Alberta into the regulation, ensuring alignment with evolving departmental standards. This integration mandates compliance with updated operational guidelines for family day home programs and strengthens oversight by the statutory director.

The regulation introduces new provisions for changes to program plans. Facility-based licence holders must now adhere to modifications directed by the statutory director and obtain approval before implementing further changes, ensuring program plans remain robust and consistent. Additionally, family day home agencies are required to communicate essential information to programs and parents, including administrative penalty notices, in accordance with established standards. These measures aim to improve transparency and accountability in interactions with families and staff.

To improve child care quality and safety, the statutory director is empowered to establish detailed standards for family day home programs. These standards encompass operational practices, administrative requirements, child health and safety measures, and facility conditions. The regulation also specifies supervision requirements for young staff and volunteers, requiring those under 18 to be supervised by certified adult primary staff members, ensuring that appropriate qualifications and oversight are maintained.

Another key feature is the publication of child care certification details on accessible platforms. Information such as certification levels, history, and any imposed conditions or suspensions may now be made publicly available. This step aims to improve transparency and supports informed decision-making by families and employers while reinforcing professional accountability.

The regulation strengthens enforcement mechanisms by introducing administrative penalties for non-compliance. Factors such as the severity of infractions, willfulness, mitigating circumstances, and any economic benefit derived from violations will influence penalty amounts. Notices of penalties must detail the contravention, penalty amount, payment deadline, and rights to appeal, promoting fairness and clarity in enforcement.

The regulation revises staff definitions and supervision requirements. A “primary staff member” is redefined to emphasize active child supervision duties. Supervision rules now limit the number of minors a certified staff member may oversee, strengthening child safety and operational reliability. Collectively, these amendments aim to improve Alberta’s early learning and child care framework, emphasizing safety, transparency, and quality improvement.

Alberta (223/2024) January 15, 2025