Q&A For Home Child Care Providers
Murfat Home Child Care (MHCC)
Legal & Regulatory Compliance
What legislation governs licensed home child care in Ontario?
Licensed home child care is regulated under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA) and
Ontario Regulation 137/15. Providers must also comply with Public Health, Fire Code, and MHCC agency
policies.
How many children am I legally permitted to care for?
Maximum 6 children under age 13, with no more than 3 under age 2, including provider’s own children
under 4 (CCEYA s. 6(5)).
What are prohibited practices under the law?
Prohibited practices include corporal punishment, deprivation of food/rest/shelter, locking exits, humiliation,
threats, and verbal/emotional abuse (CCEYA O. Reg. 137/15, s. 48).
What happens during a Ministry inspection?
Safety & Emergency Preparedness
What safety standards must I maintain in my home?
Compliance with Public Health, Ontario Fire Code, and CCEYA safety regulations (s. 20–36). Outdoor play
areas must be fenced or enclosed.
What emergency preparedness is required?
Providers must post emergency management policies, practice monthly fire/emergency drills, maintain an
emergency kit, and follow CCEYA s. 68.
How are accidents or incidents handled?
Minor injuries must be logged and shared with parents; serious injuries/occurrences must be reported to
MHCC immediately and to the Ministry within 24 hours.
What are my obligations for safe supervision?
Children must always be supervised (sight and sound). No unapproved adult may care for children.
Contractual & Financial Obligations
Am I considered an employee of MHCC?
No. Providers are self-employed contractors. Taxes and expenses are their responsibility.
Do I get paid when children are absent?
Yes, unless otherwise outlined in contract. Providers are compensated for contracted days.
What financial records must I keep?
Maintain invoices, receipts, and expenses for tax purposes (CRA guidelines for self-employed).
How does CWELCC affect me as a provider?
Parents pay reduced fees, but providers are guaranteed full compensation through MHCC contracts.
Health & Nutrition
What health and immunization requirements apply?
Providers and household members must provide up-to-date immunizations or valid exemptions. Ill children
must be excluded per Public Health.
What are my responsibilities with food and nutrition?
Meals/snacks must follow Canada’s Food Guide, respect allergies, and meet CCEYA s. 42.
How do I administer medication?
Only with written parental authorization, in original containers with labels. All administration must be
logged (CCEYA s. 37).
What happens if a serious outbreak occurs (e.g., flu, COVID-19)?
Follow Public Health directives for exclusion, reporting, and enhanced cleaning. Notify MHCC
immediately.
Professional Standards & Responsibilities
Do I need training?
Yes. Standard First Aid & CPR (renew every 3 years), MHCC orientation, and ongoing professional
development are required.
What professional standards must I follow?
Providers must act professionally, follow CECE Code of Ethics if RECE, maintain confidentiality, and
ensure positive communication.
What if I suspect child abuse or neglect?
You are legally required to report suspicions directly to MHCC.
Can I use my cell phone during child care hours?
Only for emergencies or agency/parent communication. Personal use is prohibited while supervising
children.
Parent & Agency Relations
How should I communicate with parents?
Maintain professional, respectful communication. Provide daily updates and notify parents immediately of
incidents.
What if I disagree with the agency’s decision?
Use MHCC’s Provider Issue & Resolution Policy: discuss with Home Visitor, escalate to
Supervisor/Director, then formal review.
Can I advertise my services independently?
No. All recruitment and advertising is through MHCC. Providers may not operate outside agency contracts.
What if my home undergoes changes (renovation, new pets, new household members)?
Notify MHCC immediately, submit required documentation, and undergo inspection if necessary.
