FAQs

• Parents
• Caregivers
• Liability Insurance

Ask an Expert! If you have any questions about child care, please contact one of our knowledgeable consultants at PacificCARE.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents:

Q: Can you please tell me which is the best daycare to send my child to?

A: PacificCARE can only provide you with referrals. We do not make recommendations. Referrals are given based on information such as type of care you are looking for, hours required, location and the ages of children. Caregivers on the database have met a minimum standard in order to qualify for referrals, however parents must always use their own judgment in making a final selection of a caregiver. (Please see "What is Quality Care?" for more information).

Q: I am going back to work next month and am worried about sending my 2 year old daughter to child care. Is there anything I can do to prepare my child and myself for this very big change in our lives?

A: First of all, you want to find a child care setting that is right for your child. If your child is very outgoing then she may fit in very well with a larger group of children. Or your child may be one who gets overwhelmed very easily in a larger group setting and therefore a smaller setting or family child care setting would be more appropriate. You will want to choose a child care provider who will respect and support your ideas, who will provide a safe and healthy environment and who will stimulate and nurture your child through their different stages of development. Once you have selected your child care provider there are some things you can do to make the transition easier. Before the first day, try and help your child become accustomed to periods of time away from you. Take her to the daycare to let her explore and meet the other children. Send a photo of your family and a favourite stuffed animal or blanket with her on the first day. Do not leave without saying goodbye, saying you love her and that you will be back, even if you know she will be upset. If possible, it might be helpful to have a gradual entry over a period of a week.

Q: When is my child too sick to go to daycare?

A: Your child is too sick to go to daycare when there are the following symptoms: fever, diarrhea, vomiting or the presence of a contagious disease such as chicken pox, pink eye, strep throat or head lice. Mild cold and cough symptoms are usually not enough to stay home. Often you can tell whether your child is up to an active, social day by observing their energy level. If they are more lethargic than usual they may need to stay home.

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Ask an Expert! If you have any questions about providing child care, please contact one of our knowledgeable consultants at PacificCARE.

Frequently Asked Questions for Caregivers:

Q: Do I need special insurance for my vehicle when I use it for my child care business?

A: Yes, using your vehicle more than 6 times a month for child care related travel would require you to have business use coverage. Please contact your local insurance dealer for more information.

Q: Do I need to have child care liability insurance coverage, or will my home liability insurance be enough?

A: For licensed child care providers home insurance will not cover children that you are being paid to care for. It is important for your own protection as well as that of the children to have adequate child care liability insurance. Home liability insurance may be enough if you are a license-not-required caregiver, but you would need to confirm that with your individual insurance agent and inform them that you are being paid to care for children in your home. PacificCARE has a group liability insurance policy that you may be interested in purchasing. The cost is reasonable and the policy is specialized for child care providers. Please contact PacificCARE for more information.

Q: Where can I get my hands on some new materials or ideas to use with my children?

A: PacificCARE has a resource library of books, videos, toys, theme boxes and equipment that are available to members on loan. Please contact our office to find out more about becoming a member.

Q: I'm thinking about caring for two or three children in my home. I also have two kids of my own. Can I do this?

A: You can care for a maximum of two children not related to you by blood or marriage without obtaining a license. (The only time you could care for more than two children other than your own is if they are a sibling group from one family.) Anyone caring for three or more children is required by law to become licensed. PacificCARE has more information about becoming licensed or about getting support as a license-not-required caregiver.

Q: I have a parent who is frequently a few minutes late picking up her child. She is also often late with payment and gives lots of excuses each time. What should I do?

A: Having a good contract that both you and the parent have agreed to and signed can prevent a lot of headaches. Think about having a written policy for late pick up and late payment. Make sure your expectations are clear with the parent. Don't be afraid to enforce the agreement. You can be flexible when there are the occasional exceptions or emergencies but if the parent is continually not abiding by your guidelines this is disrespectful. Parents in general will treat you how you treat yourself. If you act professional you will be more respected. If you are not clear about boundaries then you are more vulnerable to being taken advantage of.

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Liability insurance frequently asked questions

If you have any questions about obtaining, or purchasing liability insurance, please contact PacificCARE's insurance department.

If you need infomation regarding the details of coverage in place, please contact Coastal Community Insurance Agencies at 1-250-738-2104.

We have provided you a list of frequently asked questions and answers that may help you.

Click here Frequently asked questions