REPORTING A PRIVATE DAYHOME
In Alberta, unlicensed child care is not monitored or regulated by Children’s Services. However, there are resources available to help you navigate certain situations that you may encounter within the unlicensed sector.
Where to turn when you have a concern
Effective February 1, 2021 the Alberta government passed new legislation that allows unlicensed providers to be investigated under certain circumstances.
Under the Early Learning & Childcare Act, the Alberta government can investigate complaints about private, unlicensed child care providers when there is reason to beleive that:
- a person is providing care for more than 6 children (not including their own) or
- an imminent threat to the health, safety, or welfare of any children to whom the person is offering or providing care exists
If either of these is confirmed, Children’s Services will issue and enforce a stop order. In this situation, parents of the children in the unlicensed program will be notified of the stop order.
When to report and who to report to
A child is in
imminent danger
2. Then report to Child Care Connect Hotline
WHAT IS IMMINENT DANGER?
- When there is an immediate threat to the safety and well being of the children in care
- When a child has been left without supervision
- When a child has been found unattended
- When a provider is experiencing a mental health crisis
A child disclosed abuse
or you suspect it
2. Then report to Child Care Connect Hotline
WHAT IS ABUSE?
- When a child discloses any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment.
- When a person in a position of trust or authority purposefully injures or threatens to injure a child or youth.
- When a younger or less powerful person is used by an older or more powerful child, youth or adult for sexual gratification.
- When a person in a position of trust or authority has engaged in a chronic attack on a child or youth’s self-esteem.
A repeated pattern of concerning behaviour is identified.
WHAT IS CONCERNING BEHAVIOUR?
- Frequent injuries that seem out of the norm for your child
- Frequent broken limbs and serious injuries within the dayhome
- When a provider is often unable to explain injuries or incidents
- When a provider's version of events changes
- When a provider's version of events differs greatly from that of witnesses
- When a provider is reluctant to share information regarding serious incidents and injuries
CONCERNS WITH A MEMBER OF EMBOLDEN PDC?
If you have a concern with a verified member of Embolden Private Dayhome Community please report your concern using our FEEDBACK FORM. Repeated complaints and concerns may result in an Embolden PDC member losing their verified status.