Child Care Navigators are here to help you understand your child care options and connect you with supports that best fit your family’s needs. They work with you to explore what’s available through Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs), Personnel Support Programs (PSP), or providers in your local community. They offer personalized guidance to help you navigate availability, eligibility criteria, application processes, and more. Whether you are beginning your search or need help with a specific question, Child Care Navigators can guide you through your next steps. Book an Appointment To connect with a Child Care Navigator, please complete this intake form. Child Care Navigators are available: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. Licensed Includes full-day child care centres, some home-based care, nursery schools, and preschools. They’re inspected and regulated by provincial/territorial authorities. Unlicensed Most often, unlicensed child care is home-based. They’re not inspected nor regulated by provincial/territorial authorities. Centre-based Services in commercial buildings that must meet licensing requirements and early learning standards. Kindergarten In most provinces/territories, kindergarten is integrated into the public school system and regulated by provincial/territorial governments, with starting ages varying by province/territory. Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Ontario and Quebec operate 2-year part day or full day kindergarten beginning at age 4; other provinces/territories begin at age 5. Before and after school programs These programs can be licensed or unlicensed, complementing the school day with activities, quiet times, and outdoor play. Home-based (also known as family day home) Care provided by a relative or non-relative in the caregiver’s or child’s home. Can be licensed or unlicensed. They have fewer children and more flexible hours than centre-based or community-based child care. They often offer several types of care (full-time, part-time, emergency, before and after school). Community-based Provided by community resources. Can be licensed or unlicensed. An unlicensed community child care program has to follow standards, by-laws and requirements set out by other governing authorities. Camps/recreation programs: Available part-time or full-time, typically during holidays (e.g., Christmas) and summer break. Drop-in playgroups: Activities for children where caregivers attend with their children. Prenatal and Postpartum Program (PNP3): Offers member takes part in targeted fitness and wellness services during the specific life stages of pregnancy and maternal/parental leave, targeted fitness and wellness services during the specific life stages of pregnancy and maternal/parental leave. Provided by community resources. Can be licensed or unlicensed. An unlicensed community child care program has to follow standards, by-laws and requirements set out by other governing authorities. Camps/recreation programs: Available part-time or full-time, typically during holidays (e.g., Christmas) and summer break. Drop-in playgroups: Activities for children where caregivers attend with their children. Prenatal and Postpartum Program (PNP3): Offers member takes part in targeted fitness and wellness services during the specific life stages of pregnancy and maternal/parental leave, targeted fitness and wellness services during the specific life stages of pregnancy and maternal/parental leave. Flexible care Short-term, adaptable child care for specific needs (e.g., emergencies, respite during deployment or relocation, medical appointments, or regular weekly schedules). Can be licensed or unlicensed. Occasional: Drop-in programs offering part-time and temporary child care to provide primary caregivers with a break from care. Includes casual care, transition care (i.e., during deployment and relocation), and respite care. Can be licensed or unlicensed. Available through some MFRC programs. Respite care for disabilities: Provides extra support or a temporary break for caregivers of a child/ren with special needs. Can be licensed or unlicensed. Available through some Military Family Resource Centres . Emergency: Temporary, short-term care for emergencies, unexpected events, and short-notice situations that disrupt the normal child care arrangements, or when primary and secondary family care providers are unavailable. Extended hours: Offered outside standard business hours (e.g., evenings, nights, weekends). Can be licensed or unlicensed. Includes PSP Weekend Clubs and other extended hours MFRC programming. Short-term, adaptable child care for specific needs (e.g., emergencies, respite during deployment or relocation, medical appointments, or regular weekly schedules). Can be licensed or unlicensed. Occasional: Drop-in programs offering part-time and temporary child care to provide primary caregivers with a break from care. Includes casual care, transition care (i.e., during deployment and relocation), and respite care. Can be licensed or unlicensed. Available through some MFRC programs. Respite care for disabilities: Provides extra support or a temporary break for caregivers of a child/ren with special needs. Can be licensed or unlicensed. Available through some Military Family Resource Centres . Emergency: Temporary, short-term care for emergencies, unexpected events, and short-notice situations that disrupt the normal child care arrangements, or when primary and secondary family care providers are unavailable. Extended hours: Offered outside standard business hours (e.g., evenings, nights, weekends). Can be licensed or unlicensed. Includes PSP Weekend Clubs and other extended hours MFRC programming. Related Content

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