In childcare centres and day care centres, the Educational Childcare Regulation (ECR) defines a staff member as a staff member assigned to the implementation of the educational program for the children.
In addition, the ECR requires permit holders to ensure that the minimum number of childcare staff members present to look after the children receiving childcare in the holder's facility respects the following ratios:
- one member for 5 or fewer children present under 18 months of age;
- one member for 8 or fewer children present from 18 months of age to under 4 years of age;
- one member for 10 or fewer children present from 4 years of age to under 5 years of age on September 30;
- one member for 20 or fewer children present from 5 years of age and older on September 30.
Moreover, the ECR introduces staff qualification requirements. A staff member is qualified who holds a diploma of college studies in early childhood education or any other equivalent training recognized by the Minister of Families, as specified in the Directive concernant l’évaluation de la qualification du personnel de garde et les équivalences de formation reconnues (Directive concerning the evaluation of childcare staff qualification and the recognized equivalent training).
Finally, the permit holder must ensure that two childcare staff members out of three are qualified and present each day with the children while childcare is being provided. If the number of childcare staff members is less than three, then at least one of the members must be qualified.
Home childcare service
For a person to be able to act as a home childcare provider (HCP), that person must have completed a training program of at least 45 hours, no later than two years after recognition by a Home Childcare Coordinating Office. This training pertains to safety, health and diet, and the role of the HCP, but concentrates mainly on child development and the educational program provided for by the Ministère de la Famille. The diploma of college studies in early childhood education or any other equivalent training recognized by the Minister may replace this training.
In addition, the HCP must take six hours of refresher training every year.
First aid course
The childcare centres (CPE) and the day care centres must also ensure that each of their childcare staff members holds a certificate not older than three years. This certificate must attest that the member has successfully completed a minimum 8-hour early childhood first aid course or a minimum 6-hour refresher course updating the knowledge acquired as part of the general first aid course.
The HCPs must meet the same requirements as the staff members of the childcare centres (CPE) and the day care centres concerning the first aid course.
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