Kev and Katrina

Hi, I`m currently an Ofsted registered childminder and am thinking about childminding in Calgary ( or surroundings) when we get there.
Has anyone got any tips on how I would register as a childminder once I`m out there and is there any demand for them?
Many thanks Katrina.

Getting There

Hi both,

My sister and her daughter run a child-minding business and are busy prepping for their latest Ofsted inspection, (or whatever the auditing process involves).

This WIKI article (you've probably read it) gives some clues.
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Childcare_Options-Canada

This link looks like it could be fruitful in getting more info...
http://www.calgaryfamilydayhomes.com/

Page 4 (in particular) of this might give a few leads on regulation although the document looks quite dated.
http://www.childcarecanada.org/ECEC2001/AB.pdf

This link might be useful for checking out potential competitor offerings.
http://www.canadachildcaredirectory.com/AB_Cities.htm

Sorry we haven't specifically answered the question but a few promising leads perhaps??? Hope so.

Kind regards,

Eamonn & Janet.

bodgerx

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=548555

ClareBC

Well judging by the comments of friends if you are both British trained and a registered childminder you will not have a shortage of business!!!



Good luck

JLT

Hello Katrina, here is a link for you I worked with this company in their HO they are a national home childcare agency so Iam sure they will have a branch in your area....good luck www.weewatch.com

Helen Parnell

In cochrane you would be able to get plenty of work. We do not have OFSTED inspections here (I have not even heard the word for 6 years!!)

You can put your name with the local family and community resource centre, but basically you register a home base buisness, with the local council, and then advertise and start work.

ann m

Following on from what Helen has said (and I completely agree that the market is out there!) I think it is relatively easy to get set up too. And you can apply for a $500 grant (in Cochrane anyway) to put towards set up costs, toys, equipment or whatever. Insurance is not too bad, only a couple of hundred dollars I think.

Two recent arrivals that I know who have done this however, both did a 10-week (Saturdays) course - I shall try and obtain details. I don't know if this was a voluntary "because I haven't done it before" type of course, or a pre-requisite for opening up your own day home. I shall try and report back!

Kev and Katrina

Many thanks to you all for your quick replies.

The other half was out there in July for his Police testing and particularly liked Cochrane so that could be one the main areas we will be looking at.

I`m just trying to get all my possibilities covered as if I go out to work four kids will cost me a fortune in childcare costs just like it would here.

Katrina

Red Robo

Hi Anne I was interested in childminding. Didi you manage to find any information about the courses one can take please

ann m

Hi - No I haven't - but now you have reminded I shall get right on it!! I'll report back shortly

ann m

Lots of relevant information in this article, published this week in one of the local Cochrane newspapers ....

Bow Valley College run the relevant courses.

GetCarter

Hi

There was an article about Cochrane childminders in the local paper this week. Hopefully this link will take you to it

http://www.cochranetimes.com/Editorial/420049.html

If it doesn't do a search for Cochrane Times the 01 October 2008 edition, the title of the piece is "Day home agency numbers still growing".

Hope that helps, Cohrane is a lovely town to live in we have been here 7 months now with our 4 children and everyone is happy and settled.

Mrs GetCarter

amardan

Hi can you still child mind if you are on a TWP? or do you have to wait until you have PR status.

GetCarter

oops!

should have read ann m's post before I went and found the paper! sorry for repeating the info

Mrs GC

GetCarter

now I cant even see the first reply I posted, you must think I'm mad, I had sent a post repeating the article ann m mentioned, and about how we liked Cochrane, we have been here 7 months now.

So I will go and finish sorting out the children's dinner, and stop posting
Mrs GC