Explore this page

Child Care & Community Care Home Providers Regulation

Community care regulation

In British Columbia, community care is defined by the Government of British Columbia, and requirements for care are outlined in provincial laws. Community care is divided into two primary categories: child care and community care homes. Within community care homes, there are a number of more specific types of care determined by the circumstances of the individual in care.

In order for child care facilities and community care homes to operate legally in B.C., they must obtain a licence. To be licensed, these facilities must follow laws and regulations outlined in the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, and the Child Care Licensing Regulation or the Residential Care Regulation (which governs community care homes). Please note, residential care is a term that is still in use for community care homes.

When licensing is required

Child care: A licence is required when care is being provided to three or more children who are not related to the caregiver by blood or marriage. Learn more about Unlawful Child Care.
Community care homes: A licence is required for all programs and facilities providing care to three or more persons who are not related to the operator by blood or marriage, unless designated under the Hospital Act. Learn more about Unlawful Community Care Homes.

Our role in the licensing process

Our Licensing Department conducts assessments and inspections, and grants licences to qualified community care providers across the health authority. We grant these licences to care facilities that meet all pertinent legislation and are located in the Interior Health region.

Licensing supports the health, safety and well-being of children and adults in care facilities by ensuring these facilities meet all regulations relating to health and safety, staffing, space and equipment, program standards, and more.

Our licensing officers work with care facility licensees and operators to:

Provide education and guidance
Refer applicants to a Child Care Resources and Referral centre and/or the Ministry of Children and Family Development for funding
Assess manager suitability
Conduct facility inspections
Investigate complaints about every facility

Our licensing officers must also respond quickly and effectively with situations that pose a risk to children and adults in care.

Our licensing officers monitor each licensed care facility on an individual basis, making sure that all health and safety rules are being followed and that individuals in care are being treated with dignity. Through discussion and analysis of a licensee’s plans and programs, a licensing officer can assess whether the needs of the children and adults in care, and standards of care, are being met.

Support we offer to care seekers and providers

Education, guidance and information/resources for:
- Child care providers
- Community care home providers
A way for people seeking care to search for:
- Child care facilities
- Community care home facilities
Information about care facility inspections and investigations
A way to report concerns about a facility
Licensing application instructions and forms for:
- Child care providers
- Community care home providers

4 Minute Read

Community & Culture

Adult Day Services supports father, daughter's own social outings

Kathleen Johnson cares full-time for her 88-year-old father, Don. Apple Valley Adult Day Services gives her much-needed respite a few days each week.

/stories/adult-day-services-supporting-father-daughter-their-own-social-outings

4 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

How to enjoy lakes, pools and rivers safely this summer

Keep you and your loved ones safe with these tips to prevent drowning when enjoying water activities.

/stories/how-enjoy-lakes-pools-and-rivers-safely-summer

4 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

Tips to protect yourself from poor air quality & wildfire smoke

Learn about the many steps you can take to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke and protect your health.

/stories/tips-protect-yourself-poor-air-quality-wildfire-smoke

3 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

What you need to know about bats and rabies

Bats play an essential role in our ecosystem, but can carry diseases like rabies. Learn the steps to take if you come in contact with a bat, alive or dead.

/stories/what-you-need-know-about-bats-and-rabies