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Licensed family day home educator playing with diverse children in bright Calgary home environment

Turn Your Love for Children into a Career

Join Alberta's trusted network of family day home educators. Work from home, earn a flexible income, and make a lasting difference in children's lives.

Start Your Application

Why Become a Day Home Educator

Experience the rewards of making a difference while enjoying flexibility and support

Work from Home

Create a caring environment in your own home while caring for children.

Flexible Income

Earn $40,000-$60,000+ annually while setting your own schedule and rates.

Training & Support

Receive comprehensive training, ongoing professional development, and dedicated support.

Make a Difference

Shape young lives during their most critical developmental years.

Complete Financial Transparency

No hidden fees. No surprises. Just honest, transparent support.
Unlike other agencies that hide pricing, we believe you deserve to know exactly what you'll pay and earn.

Agency Fee

$98

per child/month

One of the most transparent and competitive rates in Alberta

Sample Monthly Income

ECE Level 1

$7,294

ECE Level 2

$7,730

ECE Level 3

$8,376

Based on 2 infants + 4 preschoolers (full capacity)

Government Affordability Funding

$1,334

per infant/month

Children under 19 months

$1,184

per preschooler/month

19 months to Kindergarten

Government Wage Top-Ups (up to 181 hours/month)

ECE Level 1

$2.64/hr

= $478/month

ECE Level 2

$5.05/hr

= $914/month

ECE Level 3

$8.62/hr

= $1,560/month

Professional Development Funding

Up to $2,000/year

For workshops, certifications, and continuing education

Sample Income Calculation (ECE Level 2)

2 Infants: ($1,334 - $98) × 2 $2,472
4 Preschoolers: ($1,184 - $98) × 4 $4,344
Wage Top-Up: 181 hours × $5.05 $914
TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME: $7,730

* Actual income varies based on enrollment, ECE certification level, and hours worked. Above figures are based on full capacity (6 children) and government affordability funding rates as of 2025.

Our Commitment: We believe in complete transparency. You deserve to know exactly what to expect before you start.

Interactive Income Calculator

Customize based on your situation - see your potential earnings in real-time

ECE certification earns you government wage top-ups (up to 181 hours/month)

See the Financial Impact of ECE Certification

No ECE
$0
per month

No wage top-up

MOST POPULAR
ECE Level 2
$914
per month

$5.05/hr × 181 hrs

+$10,968/year

ECE Level 3
$1,560
per month

$8.62/hr × 181 hrs

+$18,720/year

We support your ECE journey with funding for courses and professional development

0
0 6

Government funding: $1,334/month per infant

4
0 6

Government funding: $1,184/month per preschooler

181
100 181 (max)

For ECE wage top-up calculation (capped at 181 hours)

Your Estimated Income

0 Infants × ($1,334 - $98) $0
4 Preschool × ($1,184 - $98) $4,344
ECE Wage Top-Up: 181 hrs × $0/hr $0
MONTHLY TOTAL: $4,344

Monthly Income

$4,344

Annual Income (12 months)

$52,128

Based on Government of Alberta rates (2025): Affordability funding of $1,334/infant and $1,184/preschool, minus $98 agency fee per child. ECE wage enhancement capped at 181 hours/month. Actual income varies by enrollment and hours worked.

Note: Age-based capacity limits apply. You cannot have 6 infants or 6 preschoolers. Maximum 3 children under age 3, and maximum 2 children under age 2.

Understanding Your Income

The income shown above is your gross monthly income (before expenses). As a self-employed day home educator, you'll have business expenses.

Typical Business Expenses (Click to expand)
  • • Meals and groceries for children (15-20% of revenue)
  • • Educational supplies, toys, materials (5-10%)
  • • Portion of home expenses (utilities, maintenance, insurance)
  • • Liability insurance ($2M coverage: ~$25-50/month)
  • • Professional development and training
  • • Transportation (if applicable)

Many expenses are tax-deductible. Consult with an accountant familiar with home-based childcare.

How to Get Started

Six simple steps to becoming a licensed day home educator

1

Attend Orientation and Information Session

Join our orientation session to learn about requirements, expectations, and the comprehensive support we provide to all educators.

2

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Meet with our team for a personalized consultation to discuss your goals, review requirements, and answer any questions you may have.

3

Home Assessment / Inspection

Our team will visit your home to ensure it meets Alberta's safety and quality standards for licensed family day homes.

4

Complete Required Training / Insurance

Participate in comprehensive training covering child development, safety, nutrition, and business management. Obtain liability insurance and required certifications.

5

Licensing Process

Complete criminal record check (including vulnerable sector), obtain First Aid/CPR certification, and receive your official Alberta day home license.

6

Launch Your Dayhome with Full Support!

Begin accepting enrollments and start your rewarding career as a licensed family day home educator with ongoing support from our team.

Timeline: 6-10 weeks

From application to welcoming your first family

Empowering Educators, Not Just Licensing Them

Comprehensive support that goes beyond the basics

Training & Certification

Initial 30-hour training, First Aid/CPR courses, and ongoing professional development workshops to keep your skills current.

+ Up to $2,000/year PD funding

Backup Care During Illness ⭐

Need to take time off when you're sick? We provide backup care support so you can recover without losing families or income.

Most agencies don't offer this!

Mental Health & Wellness ⭐

Access to mental health resources, stress management support, and wellness programs designed specifically for childcare providers.

Your wellbeing matters to us

Marketing & Enrollment

Your day home featured in our directory, professional marketing materials, social media promotion, and assistance connecting with families.

Ongoing Support

Dedicated coordinator, 24/7 support line, 6 annual home visits (scheduled and unscheduled), and guidance on challenging situations.

Peer Support Network

Monthly meetings, peer mentorship, online community forums, and networking events with fellow educators who understand your journey.

Resource Library

Access to curriculum materials, activity ideas, business templates, nutritious meal planning guides, and educational resources.

Administrative Support

Help with contracts, invoices, tax receipts, paperwork, government subsidy applications, and compliance documentation.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Regular home inspections using Government of Alberta standard checklist, ensuring you meet all safety and quality standards.

What Makes Us Different

Complete Transparency

We show you all costs and earnings upfront - no hidden fees

True Support

Backup care, mental health resources, and real community

Fair Investment

$98/child agency fee + up to $2,000/year PD funding

Basic Requirements

What you need to become a day home educator

Age 18 or older

Legal adult in Alberta

Alberta Resident

Live in the province

Criminal Record Check

Clear background check

First Aid & CPR

Current certification (we provide)

Safe Home Environment

Meets Alberta standards

Liability Insurance

$2M coverage ($25-50/month)

Love for Children

Passion for early childhood

Note: No previous childcare experience required! We provide all necessary training and support. ECE (Early Childhood Education) certification is beneficial but not mandatory.

Important: Age-Based Capacity Limits

Alberta regulations specify capacity limits to ensure quality care. You cannot care for more than:

  • 6
    Maximum 6 children total

    (including your own children under age 10)

  • 3
    Maximum 3 children under age 3

    (children under 36 months)

  • 2
    Maximum 2 children under age 2

    (children under 24 months)

Professional Training & Development

We invest in your growth as an early childhood educator

FCDNA educator training workshop - diverse educators learning about early childhood milestones
30+ Hours

Initial Training

6 Visits

Annual Consultant Support

Ongoing

Professional Development

From First Aid certification to ECE advancement - we support your professional journey every step of the way.

See What It's Like to Be a Family Day Home Educator

Discover the rewarding journey of becoming a family day home educator

Important Tax & Business Information

Understanding your self-employment status as a day home educator

You're Self-Employed

As a licensed family day home educator, you operate as a self-employed business owner, not an employee. This means you:

  • Report your income and expenses on your annual tax return
  • Pay both the employer and employee portions of CPP (Canada Pension Plan)
  • May need to make quarterly tax installment payments to CRA
  • Are responsible for tracking income and expenses throughout the year

Common Tax Deductions for Day Home Educators

As a self-employed educator, you can deduct legitimate business expenses from your gross income:

Home Workspace

Portion of utilities, maintenance, property taxes

Meals & Groceries

Food provided to children (15-20% of revenue)

Educational Supplies

Toys, books, craft materials, learning tools

Insurance

Liability insurance ($2M coverage required)

Professional Development

Training courses, certifications, workshops

Transportation

Field trips, supply runs (mileage or actual costs)

GST/HST Registration

If your annual gross income exceeds $30,000, you must register for and collect GST (5% in Alberta).

Note: Many day home educators earning $40K-$60K+ will exceed this threshold and need to collect GST from families and remit to CRA.

Official Resources & Support

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax situations vary by individual circumstances. Please consult with a qualified accountant or tax professional for personalized advice regarding your specific situation.

Ready to Start Your Application?

Take the first step toward a rewarding career. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Questions? Contact us or call (403) 555-1234