How it began
The Canadian Child Care Federation started our work on family child care training back in 1995, at a child care conference. There, Lee Dunster and several others in family child care discussed the need to work together at a national level to create resources for the field. The first training modules were developed and launched in 2000. By 2003, the Family Child Care Training Manual (Canada’s first and still only National Family Child Care Training Resource) was complete. A few years later, CCCF was able to test an online version which has led to the development of this new, accessible, online 10-module course.
The content for this course was developed by using a creative, thoughtful process that involved an extensive review and revision of the original training program content and the development of new content written by team of content experts.
A note about terminology
Across Canada, there are different terms used while referring to those who look after other people’s children in their own home. In your province or territory, you may be familiar with the terms Home Child Care or home based child care and provider. Others may be used to hearing Family Child Care and caregiver. This training program uses all of these terms interchangeably.
Who was the program designed for?
Individuals who are currently, or who are interested in becoming providers of family child care. It is an introduction for those new to the sector. Experienced providers will find the opportunity to review and reinforce their knowledge and the sharing of experiences with others, helpful and worthwhile.
Who could the training program be used by?
- Individual providers
- Networks of caregivers
- Home visitors, child care coordinators or others involved in supporting family child care work
- Agencies, associations and other child care and community organizations
- Community colleges and other educational services
How could the training program be used?
Getting the most out of the program
- Set goals for yourself and develop a schedule for when you will do your course work
- Take your needs seriously. Set up a comfortable work area with good lighting, comfortable chair and work space. Be sure to take scheduled breaks.
- Use a journal to record your thoughts, ideas and questions.
- Join the online community of practice and share your experiences as you work through the modules together.
- Challenge yourself to find at least one additional resource for each module.
- Share feedback with us about the course and your experience.
Funded by the
Government of Canada’s
Early Learning and Childcare
Innovation Program
