Centre-Based Child Care

Licensed (regulated) early learning and child care centres provide a strong start for children to reach their full potential and support families and communities with access to more affordable, inclusive and quality programs and services.

Groups and organizations can work with department representatives to obtain information on licensing, funding, and how to open a new early learning and child care centre.

Opening a New Licensed Child Care Centre

To apply to licence an early learning and child care centre in Manitoba, all interested applicants must:

• register and attend an information session provided by the Early Learning and Child Care Division. The information session will provide information about licensed child care in Manitoba and what applicants need to know to support and prepare for their application.
• complete and submit a Manitoba child care licence application.

All applicants are also encouraged to consider the following steps:

• visit existing early learning and child care centres and talk with operators to see and learn what’s involved
• conduct a community feasibility study
• get informed about legislation requirements, including staffing requirements, zoning and fire requirements and public health requirements
• assess financial viability
• select a site and work on a design plan
• establish budgeting and accounting practices
• write policies and procedures

Roles, Responsibilities and Functions of a Board

Provides awareness of the basic responsibilities and functions expected of a governing board and its members. This includes the Board Toolkit for Wage Grid Implementation.

Legislative Requirements

All licensed child care in Manitoba must follow The Community Child Care Standards Act. The Act defines the types of child care situations that need licensing. Its regulations ensure that child care in licensed centres and homes meets minimum standards.

For more information on legislation and requirements for operating an early learning and child care centre in Manitoba and information on recommended best practices, please review the Best Practices Licensing Manual for Early Learning and Child Care Centres.

Provincial Funding

The main grant provided to early learning and child care centres is the annual operating grant. Centres that are eligible for operating grant funding must be incorporated as non‑profit organizations or cooperatives, and must meet criteria of governance, board composition and financial accountability. Other grants that may be available include start-up grants to purchase equipment, one-time and other funding related to in training, capital projects or on behalf of children with additional support needs and staffing needs related to their care.