Day home confusion explained

Two cases of sexual assault involving young children in Calgary day homes this year, has some questioning child care safety.

Parents may not understand there are two types of in-home care in Alberta, and the Family Child Care Association says it is causing confusion.

“You have to check into these things,” said Cheryl Crowther with the Association.

“You can’t just assume that because somebody says they want to look after children that is the right place for your child to be.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "You can't just assume that because somebody says they want to look after children that is the right place for your child to be."

There are regulated approved family day homes which belongs to an agency contracted by the government and must goes through security clearances, safety inspections and reference checks.

These day homes can have up to 6 children including the providers.

The province also allows private care givers who are considered baby-sitters, to operate in their own home however they don’t have to follow any government regulations.

The private care givers can take care of up to 6 children “on-top” of their own.

“In that case, if a serious complaint has occurred, Child and Family Services will investigate”, said Crowther.

The Province says it will continue to offer these in-home child care choices for parents and there are no plans to change the system of regulation at this time.

USEFUL LINKS

For information on child care resources for parents:

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/family-community/child-care-resources-for-parents.html

For information on day homes:

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/family-community/child-care-approved-family-day-homes.html

Alberta Family Child Care Association (Calgary and area):

http://www.calgarychildcare.org/