Work with the District to meet all municipal requirements
The District of Central Saanich encourages the development of home-based childcare facilities. Once you have determined that your proposed location permits home-based child care and developed a plan for the type of child care you would like to offer, you need to consider the municipal regulations, as noted below:
Business License - Submitting an application will begin a conversation with the District to support meeting all requirements. If you are thinking about construction or improvements for the daycare, please connect with the building department ahead of time.
Building and Plumbing Permits - Unless physical changes to the building or plumbing are expected, no building or plumbing permit is required.
Fire Department - An inspection by the Fire Department will take place, however, to review smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, exiting, fire extinguishers and more. If there are any Code and Bylaw infractions identified in the course of this inspection, they may require correction under appropriate building and plumbing permits.
See the following resources for business licenses and home occupation regulations:
CONSIDER LICENSING YOUR CHILD CARE
A licensed child care enables caring for more children and an increase in overall income. Island Health Child Care Licensing is the agency that approves and monitors licensed child care on Vancouver Island. Licensed child care facilities may also be eligible for funding support, such as Start-Up Grants and Child Care Operating Funding through the Province of B.C.
Their guide to assist planning a licensed child care (Steps to Obtaining a Community Care Facility Licence: Child Care) applies to all types of licensed child care. The licensing office should provide support for completing the steps involved. Reach a Licensing Officer by phone at 250-519-3401. Other resources that support licensing, as well as development and operation of any successful child care, can be found below under Resources For Starting A Home-Based Child Care Business.
LICENSED CHILD CARE FACILITIES AND ELIGIBILITY FOR PROVINCIAL SUPPORT
Licensed child care operations, including Licensed Family and In-Home Multi-Age facilities, may be eligible for start-up or operating funding through the Province of B.C., depending on funding availability. Contact Child Care Licensing to discuss programs that may be applicable to you. Potential funding programs available to licensed facilities include:
IF YOU ARE PLANNING A LICENSE-NOT-REQUIRED CHILD CARE, CONSIDER REGISTRATION
License-Not-Required child care providers may choose to register with the local Child Care Resource & Referral program. By doing so, providers can access support, information, training, and resources aimed at enhancing program quality, with a small number of requirements meant to support safe and effective child care. For more information see Victoria Child Care Resource and Referral.