How to start a preschool in New Brunswick

Aspiring preschool founders in New Brunswick will find a supportive environment for establishing early learning and childcare services, known locally as ELC homes or designated ELC facilities. The provincial government, through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, actively encourages the expansion of quality childcare options. Whether you plan to open a smaller, home-based ELC home or a larger designated centre, understanding the specific New Brunswick regulatory framework is crucial. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from licensing requirements and staff qualifications to potential funding opportunities, helping you navigate the process of contributing to early childhood development in the province.

Regulations

Health safety: ELC home operators are legally responsible for ensuring their facility complies with the Early Childhood Services Act and its associated Regulations, which govern health and safety standards. While specific policies on safeguarding, medication administration, immunisation, illness exclusion, and incident reporting are not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, these are standard components of childcare licensing in Canada. Operators are expected to understand and implement all health and safety provisions outlined in the provincial regulations, ensuring the well-being of all children under their care. Compliance is assessed during initial inspections by regional licensing staff and the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Licensing overview: In New Brunswick, early learning and childcare services are licensed under the Early Childhood Services Act and its associated Regulations. Operators can establish an Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) home, which provides services in an individual's home to a smaller number of children, typically run by one person. Licensing is a two-phase process: preparing and submitting the application, followed by inspections. The New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's regional Early Learning and Child Care Services office reviews applications and conducts initial inspections, coordinating with the Office of the Fire Marshal for safety checks. Licence approval follows successful completion of all regulatory requirements. Designated ELC homes offer services to preschool children aged five and under, with voluntary designation available at the time of licensing or later, committing operators to providing equitable and affordable services.

Licensing authority: New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

Staff qualifications: ELC home operators in New Brunswick are not legally required to hold an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate or diploma prior to licensing. However, applicants without an ECE certificate, diploma, or equivalent training deemed suitable by the Minister will be required to register for and complete the Department's Introduction to Early Childhood Education course after their licence has been approved. This complimentary course is 90 hours in length and must be completed within six months of registration. Further details on specific general staff qualifications are not provided in the source material, but ongoing training and background checks are generally expected in childcare settings across Canada.

Facility requirements: For Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) homes, the designated play area is typically integrated into the operator’s home, eliminating the need for a separate facility. The Early Childhood Services Act and its Regulations dictate the groups of children that can receive services. Requirements include three infants (inclusive of the operator's children), five preschool children (inclusive of the operator's children), or nine school-age children (inclusive of the operator's children). Initial fire inspections by the Office of the Fire Marshal are mandatory for all ELC homes, with recommendations provided to the applicant and the early learning and child care services team. No specific square footage requirements per child or ratios for fixtures are detailed in the provided sources.

Curriculum requirements: Designation for Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) facilities in New Brunswick involves a commitment to providing higher quality, inclusive early learning and childcare services for preschool children aged five and under. While the source material doesn't explicitly mandate a specific curriculum framework like EYFS or a provincial equivalent, the emphasis on 'higher quality' and 'inclusive early learning' suggests an expectation of developmentally appropriate practices. Operators of designated facilities commit to removing barriers related to family income, children's ability and needs, language, and minority settings. It is a general expectation that early learning programs align with principles that support child development across various domains.

Startup costs

Startup costs for an Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) home in New Brunswick can vary significantly. A home-based operation might incur lower costs, primarily for safety upgrades, initial supplies, and licensing fees. A larger, purpose-built or rented centre for 60-100 children would involve substantial expenses for facility renovations or construction, extensive equipment, higher insurance premiums, and a larger staff complement. Monthly operating costs are driven by rent or mortgage, salaries, utilities, food, educational materials, and ongoing maintenance. Designation can affect both startup and operating costs due to specific requirements and available funding.

Timeline

1. Application Preparation and Submission (Variable (few weeks to months)): The initial phase involves diligently preparing the application form and gathering all required supporting documents for your Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) home. This includes personal identification, property details, and any other information specified in the Licence Application Guide. Once complete, the comprehensive application package must be submitted to your regional Early Learning and Child Care Services licensing office. Confirmation of receipt will be provided, and your file will be assigned to a regional licensing staff member, initiating the review process.

2. File Review and Inspections (Variable (several weeks)): Upon assignment, a licensing staff member will review your application file and contact you to discuss any details or clarifications needed. This phase includes crucial inspections. The licensing staff will coordinate a one-time fire inspection with the Office of the Fire Marshal, who will then provide written recommendations. Subsequently, the licensing staff will conduct their initial inspection to ensure all requirements under the Early Childhood Services Act and its Regulations are met. Both inspections are scheduled in advance with the applicant.

3. Licence Approval and Opening (Variable (few weeks)): Following successful completion of both the fire inspection and the initial inspection by the regional Early Learning and Child Care Services staff, and once all requirements under the Early Childhood Services Act and its Regulations are satisfied, a recommendation for a licence will be made. The new Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) home licence will then be approved, allowing you to officially open and begin providing childcare services in New Brunswick. The entire process hinges on thorough preparation and compliance with all provincial standards.

4. Designation Application (Optional) (Variable (few weeks to months)): If you wish to become a Designated ELC home, you can apply for this status either at the time of initial licensing or at a later date. Designation is a voluntary process for facilities offering services to preschool children aged five and under. It involves a commitment to providing equitable and affordable access to higher quality, inclusive early learning and childcare services by addressing barriers related to family income, children’s ability and needs, language, and minority settings. Meeting designation requirements is necessary for accessing associated funding and benefits.

5. Mandatory ECE Course (If applicable) (6 months): For ELC home operators who do not possess an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate, diploma, or equivalent training, enrollment in and completion of the Introduction to Early Childhood Education course is mandatory after the licence has been approved. This 90-hour course is provided by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development at no cost and must be completed over a six-month period. This ensures that operators gain foundational knowledge in early childhood practices, thereby enhancing the quality of care provided.

6. Ongoing Compliance and Monitoring (Ongoing): After your ELC home is licensed and operational, ongoing compliance with the Early Childhood Services Act and its Regulations is required. Regional Early Learning and Child Care Services staff will conduct periodic inspections and monitoring to ensure adherence to health, safety, and operational standards. Operators are responsible for staying informed about any changes to regulations and maintaining records. This continuous oversight ensures that high standards of care are consistently met for the well-being of children in New Brunswick.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a licensed ELC home and a designated ELC home in New Brunswick?

A licensed Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) home is authorised to provide childcare services for a smaller number of children within an individual's home, operated by one person. A designated ELC home is a voluntary recognition for licensed facilities that commit to offering equitable, affordable, and higher-quality, inclusive early learning and childcare services to preschool children aged five and under. Designation brings benefits such as eligibility for operational grants, parent fee reduction subsidies, and increased funding under the Wage Support Program. Designated homes also operate within a Maximum Daily Rate and, if offering infant spaces, must provide a minimum of one for children under fifteen months.

Are there any grants or funding available for opening an ELC home in New Brunswick?

Yes, operators of designated Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) facilities in New Brunswick are eligible for several funding opportunities under the Canada-New Brunswick Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. These include Operational Grants and the Parent Fee Reduction Subsidy. Furthermore, licensed designated ELC home operators can receive increased funding through the Wage Support Program. These financial supports aim to help operators provide high-quality, affordable, and inclusive childcare services, thereby easing the financial burden on both operators and parents. Information for operators can be found on the provincial government's website regarding Child Care Grants and Subsidies (general).

Do I need an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate to operate an ELC home in New Brunswick?

No, an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate or diploma is not a mandatory prerequisite for operators of Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) homes in New Brunswick to obtain a license. However, if an applicant does not possess an ECE certificate, diploma, or other equivalent training recognised by the Minister, they are required to register for and complete the Introduction to Early Childhood Education course offered by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. This complimentary 90-hour course must be completed within six months after the licence has been approved.

What are the legal responsibilities of an ELC home operator?

ELC home operators in New Brunswick are legally obligated to understand and comply with the Early Childhood Services Act and its associated Regulations. These legislative frameworks govern all aspects of providing childcare services, including health and safety, staff-to-child ratios, and facility requirements. Operators must ensure their home consistently meets these standards. The provincial Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, specifically the regional Early Learning and Child Care Services, is the authority responsible for overseeing and enforcing these regulations. Non-compliance can lead to issues with licensing. Further, operators are responsible for delivering equitable and affordable access to higher quality, inclusive early learning and child care services.

How long does the licensing process take for an ELC home in New Brunswick?

The licensing process for an Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) home in New Brunswick generally involves several phases, and the total duration can vary based on individual circumstances and the completeness of the application. Phase 1, preparing and submitting the application, depends on the applicant's readiness. Phase 2, which involves file review, liaison with licensing staff, and inspections by both the Office of the Fire Marshal and regional early learning and child care services staff, typically takes several weeks. Phase 3, the approval of the new licence and opening of the ELC home, can occur relatively swiftly once all requirements are met. The mandatory 90-hour ECE course, if applicable, is completed over six months after licence approval.

What child-to-staff ratios are mandated for ELC homes in New Brunswick?

The Early Childhood Services Act and its Regulations in New Brunswick specify strict limits on the groups of children that can receive services in an Early Learning and Child Care (ELC) home. An ELC home operated by one person may care for only one of the following groups at any given time: three infants, including the operator's own children; five preschool children, including the operator's own children; or nine school-age children, including the operator's own children. These ratios ensure individual attention and a safe learning environment, aligning with the province's commitment to quality childcare (general, inferred from policy, but ratios are stated as 'one of the following groups' so it's a fixed limit for the whole home).