Home Daycare Licensing: BC, Alberta & Texas 

Opening a licensed home daycare is a rewarding path to income and community impact—but each region has unique regulations, fees, and earning potential. Here's what you need to know in British Columbia, Alberta, and Texas.

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British Columbia (BC)

Regulator & Licence Types

• Regulated by regional health authorities under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act.

• Types:

  • Family Child Care (up to 7 children)

  • In-Home Multi-Age Care

Rules & Requirements

• Must be 19+, complete 20 hours of training, hold a valid first aid certificate, and pass a Criminal Record Check.

• Specific requirements for play space, hygiene, diapering, and fire safety.

Typical Costs

• Licensing is free, but expenses include:

  • Home modifications

  • First aid training

  • CRC (~$28–$40)

  • Insurance (~$400–$800 annually)

Take-Home Pay

• Charging ~$800–$1,200/child monthly, many providers gross ~$3,000–$5,000/month.

• Net profit varies with costs for food, materials, and taxes.

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Alberta

Regulator & Licence Types

• Managed by Alberta Child Care Connect and licensed family day home agencies.

• Max 6 children (excluding the provider’s own).

• Providers operate under an agency, not directly licensed by the government.

Rules & Requirements

• Mandatory training, first aid, and background checks.

• Monthly home visits and ongoing monitoring from the agency.

Typical Costs

• Parents pay a flat subsidized rate (e.g., $326.25 full-time).

• Provider is reimbursed by the agency.

• Agencies may deduct 10–20% in admin fees.

Take-Home Pay

• Many providers earn $2,500–$3,500/month before expenses.

• Some support available through wage top-ups and grants.

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Texas

Regulator & Licence Types

• Regulated by Texas Health and Human Services (HHS).

• Options:

  • Listed Family Home (1–3 unrelated kids)

  • Registered Child Care Home (up to 6 children under 14)

  • Licensed Child Care Home (up to 12 kids)

Rules & Requirements

• Requirements increase with number of children.

• Licensed homes must meet training, inspection, and safety benchmarks.

Typical Costs

• Application fees, fingerprinting, and safety setup (~$100–$400 startup).

• Ongoing costs include insurance, materials, and food.

Take-Home Pay

• Providers in major cities (like Austin or Dallas) may charge $600–$900/month per child.

• Potential gross income for licensed homes can exceed $6,000/month if fully enrolled.

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Tips for New Providers

Step	Recommendation
Start small	Begin with fewer children to manage workload and gain experience.
Track expenses	Keep receipts for insurance, utilities, supplies—these can reduce your taxable income.
Get insured	Liability insurance is critical to protect your business.
Join local networks	Connect with other providers for support and referrals.
Use tools like ZuKeepr	Simplify waitlists, parent communication, and digital applications from day one.