How to Choose a Daycare in Alberta: A Parent’s Checklist
Choosing where your child spends their days is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. Here’s a practical, Alberta-specific checklist to help you compare daycares with confidence — including the questions worth asking and the red flags worth walking away from.
1. Is it licensed and CWELCC-approved?
Start here. A licensed daycare meets Alberta’s provincial standards for safety, ratios, and staff qualifications — and only licensed, CWELCC-approved providers offer the affordability grants that keep fees low. Ask to see their licence and confirm CWELCC participation.
2. Are the educators qualified?
- Do staff hold current Early Childhood Educator certifications?
- Are first aid and criminal record / vulnerable-sector checks up to date?
- What’s the staff turnover like? Consistent, familiar caregivers matter for young children.
3. What are the ratios and group sizes?
Alberta sets maximum child-to-educator ratios by age group. Ask what the ratios are in your child’s room, and how many children are in each group. Lower ratios usually mean more individual attention.
4. What does a typical day look like?
- Is there a predictable routine balancing play, learning, meals, and rest?
- Is the program play-based and developmentally appropriate?
- How much outdoor time do children get?
- What are the meals and snacks, and how are allergies handled?
5. How do they communicate with parents?
Modern daycares share daily updates, photos, and reports so you’re never in the dark. Ask how you’ll hear about your child’s day, and how they reach you in an emergency.
6. Red flags to watch for
- Reluctance to show you the licence or let you tour.
- Vague answers about ratios, safety, or staff qualifications.
- High, unexplained staff turnover.
- No clear illness, medication, or emergency policies.
7. Questions to ask on your tour
- What’s your current availability and waitlist for my child’s age group?
- What are the fees after CWELCC, and can I get additional subsidy?
- How do you handle drop-off, pick-up, and authorized pickups?
- What’s your approach to discipline and to a child who’s having a hard day?
See it for yourself
The best way to choose is to visit. KITA Academy is a licensed, CWELCC-approved daycare in Grande Prairie — with a new Heritage Valley location opening soon in Edmonton — book a tour or join our waitlist and come meet our team.
