Knowledge of child care laws and regulations provides one of the ways that we can ensure our children are in safe and stimulating environments. As parents, we may not be trained early childhood educators. We may not know what are the best ways for caregivers to promote our children’s progress in their development best. The regulations help to ensure a minimal standard so that we can all have some confidence.

Child care legislation regulates such things as minimal standards for health, safety and nutrition; how many children can be cared for and the ratio of caregivers to children; who can provide child care and what qualifications they are required to have; and minimal educational program standards.

Child care is generally regulated by each province, territory or state.
Check back here for updates to our growing list of links to child care regulations and related information.

Government links to Canadian child care laws & regulations

United States child care Government links