Overview
Home child care providers care for children on an ongoing or short-term basis. They care for the well-being and physical and social development of children, assist parents with child care and may assist with household duties. They provide care primarily in their own homes or in the children's homes, where they may also reside. They are employed by private households and child-care agencies, or they may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Home child care providers
Supervise and care for children in employer's or own residence
Bathe, dress and feed infants and children
Prepare formulas and change diapers for infants
Plan, prepare and serve meals for children and may perform other housekeeping duties
Oversee children's activities, such as meals and rest periods, as instructed by employer
Maintain a safe and healthy environment in the home
Instruct children in personal hygiene
Tend to the emotional well-being of children and support their social development
Discipline children according to the methods requested by the parents
Provide age-appropriate educational training through organized activities such as games, crafts, reading and outings
Take children to and from school and appointments
May be required to keep records of daily activities and health information regarding each child.
Foster parents
Care for foster children, usually on an emergency or temporary basis, as a primary guardian under general direction of foster parent agency
Consult foster parent agency supervisors for advice and when problems arise
Administer foster care programs for foster children, as directed by foster parent agency social workers.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,289
$37,541
$58,397
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
532expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school may be required.
Home child care providers, parent's helpers and foster parents may require completion of a training program in child care or a related field.
Child care or household management experience may be required.
Additional information
There is mobility among occupations in this group.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Home child care providers in B.C.
- Registration with a Child Care Resource and Referral Office
- Basic first aid and CPR - Home Child Care Providers
Registration with a Child Care Resource and Referral Office
To work as a home child care provider in B.C., you are encouraged to register with the Child Care Resource and Referral office that's closest to you.
Basic first aid and CPR - Home Child Care Providers
To work as a home child care provider in B.C., you may need to have basic first aid and CPR certification. Eligibility is achieved by completing a relevant course.
Work Experience
Work experience recommended
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.