Home Child Care

The City of Cornwall operates a licensed Home Child Care Agency, providing care in a warm, family setting. In a licensed home, your child receives individual attention in a safe, loving environment with access to toys, books and playgroups. We offer full-time and part-time home-based child care to all residents of Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. You can download the Home Child Care Parent Handbook & Program Statement to learn more or contact Children's Services at 613-933-6282 ext. 3315 for a physical copy.

Accessing home child care

You can apply online to find a licensed home child care provider that fits your family's needs. We offer full-time, part-time, and flexible care for children from infants to age 12, with both full-fee and subsidized spots available.

Who are home child care providers?

A home child care provider is a caring professional who creates a safe, nurturing and engaging environment for your child. They follow strict health, safety and program guidelines set by our agency and the Ministry of Education. Every provider is carefully selected through a thorough screening process that includes:

• Criminal Reference Check
• Children's Aid Society background check
• Medical
• Home fire inspection
• Written references

To ensure your child gets plenty of individual attention, each home provider cares for a limited group. They can have up to 6 children in total, with no more than 3 children under the age of 2, including their own, to keep the environment safe and manageable.

A trained Child Care Advisor, with a background in Early Childhood Education, visits every home regularly. They offer ongoing support to your child's provider and ensure your child's physical, emotional, and social needs are being met, all in line with provincial standards.

Becoming a Home Child Care Provider

We are looking for home child care providers in Cornwall and United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. If you are interested in caring for children in your own home, you can apply to become a home child care provider online. We will contact you if there is a need for a provider in your area.

As a contracted provider with our agency, you benefit from:

• Self-employment: You run your own business
• Reliable income: You are paid regularly, with no money exchanged directly with parents
• Paid time off: You receive 30 paid absent/vacation days per year
• Professional support: You get guidance from a qualified Child Care Advisor
• Training and resources: You have access to workshops and a toy-lending library

Your responsibilities

Providers are responsible for offering a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Key requirements include:

• Providing nutritional meals and age-appropriate activities
• Collaborating with your Child Care Advisor and the children's parents
• Caring for no more than 6 children under age 13
• Passing criminal background checks for all adults in the home
• Maintaining homeowners' insurance with liability coverage