The District of Thunder Bay has a variety of child care arrangements available to parents. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit does not inspect or approve all of the options available to parents. Below you will see the three options and a description of them. It is important that you consider the selection available to you carefully and choose the type of care that best meet the needs of both you and your child.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit inspects only Licensed Child Care Centres within the City and District. During the inspection and approval process, we are mandated to ensure the establishment complies fully with the Food Premises Regulation to ensure a high level of food safety within the centre. In addition, we ensure a satisfactory level of Infection Control and Safety for the children.
Licensed Child Care Centres
A child care centre provides full day and/or part day child care usually for all 12 months of the year. The hours of care and enrolment age of the children will vary depending upon each individual centre. Child care centres are designed primarily to meet the needs of students and/or working parents. Provision of lunches and snacks are a part of this service. In a child care setting a preschool learning environment is encouraged along with the opportunity for outdoor play, group activities, etc. The centre must meet standards set by the Day Nurseries Act (DNA) regarding staff/child ratios, program and staff qualifications, safety, behavior management and nutrition. They must hold a valid license in order to operate in the community. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit inspects and approves all Licensed Child Care Centres within Thunder Bay and District.
Licensed Home Child Care
Home child care is the provision of care for no more than 5 children in a private residence. The Home Child Care Agency is licensed under the Day Nurseries Act and the homes are monitored by qualified Home Visitors who work with the providers to ensure the varied needs of the children are met. This program often proves to be more flexible in the hours of care available and in meeting the needs of children newborn through school age. The care givers or providers as they are called are screened and trained by the Home Child Care Agency. The homes are monitored on an ongoing basis and government standards must be met and maintained. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit DOES NOT inspect or approve any Licensed Home Child Care Centres within Thunder Bay and District.
Unlicensed or Informal Child Care
This is care provided by a relative, friend or neighbor or by a private caregiver. There is no license required for this service and there is no professional supervision. Legally, unlicensed caregivers are permitted to care for a maximum of 5 child care children. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit DOES NOT inspect or approve any Unlicensed or Informal Child Care within Thunder Bay and District.
Choosing a Child Care Centre for your child or children is tough. Follow these suggestions when choosing…..
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, if an operator is too busy for you or doesn’t seem wiling to answer your questions, leave and check out another location.
- Ask to see the Daycares’ License and make sure that it is up-to-date.
- Ask to see the most recent inspection reports from the health unit.
- Ask about the qualifications of the staff.
- Observe interactions between the children and the staff while you are there.
- Do the staffs appear to be warm and nurturing and the children seem to be in a relaxed and flexible atmosphere.
- Ask to see the toys and equipment. Does it appear safe, well maintained and appropriate for the age of the children using them?
- Look at the weekly menu to ensure that the meals are wholesome and nutritious. Is the kitchen clean and well organized and maintained?
- Ask if you could take your child there and spend a morning to observe the staff interaction and interaction with the other children.
If you have any concerns regarding the childcare center you take your children to, please contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at 625-8318 and speak with an Infectious Disease Inspector.
Complete Day Care Manual
Common Childhood Infections