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Information for Parents

The Child Care Providers Resource Network (CCPRN) is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to providing information, support, training and resources to individuals who offer child care in a home setting.

If you are looking for child care, please note that CCPRN is not a licensed home child care agency, and does not screen or recommend any particular caregiver. That is the responsibility of the parent. Please refer to the Checklist for Interviews for a list of questions that you may find helpful during your interviews.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the funding source for CCPRN?
CCPRN is funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and the City of Ottawa. CCPRN also receives annual membership fees ($25.00 per member) which helps to pay for the newsletter, workshops and office resources. Children’s Events are set up to pay for themselves.

How can CCPRN help me find a caregiver?
CCPRN has two ways to help you find a caregiver:

1. You can search the website via postal code, language and/or school.
2. You can attend a Child Care Connection meeting.

Are the caregivers on the website screened?
CCPRN does not do any screening or reference checks. CCPRN provides information, training, resources and support. Parents need to do their own screening. Please see Checklist for Interviews to help you with this task.

Are the caregivers on the list licensed?
There is no such thing as a licensed caregiver in Ontario. Ontario caregivers can be contracted through a licensed Agency –- or they can work independently. For the most part the caregivers on our website will work independent of a licensed agency.

How do I go about screening a caregiver?
What questions should I ask a caregiver when interviewing? Start by thinking about what your priorities are. List them in order. Then interview caregivers in their homes. Also call present and past clients of any caregiver that you are thinking of contracting with. Please see Checklist for Interviews for some sample questions.

What is the going rate for home child care in my area?
CCPRN does a Survey of Rates every two years. Please see Caregiver Rates for the latest results.

What can I expect in home child care?
All home daycare programs are different. Some will be very informal with a family like setting while others will have a preschool air about them. What will be common is, one caregiver for no more than 5 daycare children (at any one time). Often there will be children of different ages (this helps little children learn faster as they copy the older ones, it helps older ones learn responsibility and empathy as they help out the younger ones, it cuts down on competition, and often allows siblings to be cared for by the same caregiver).

Your expectations of home child care should be discussed openly and honestly during the initial interviews.

For more information about the business side of home day care – please see the Questions and Answers for Caregivers.

Can I as a parent become a member of CCPRN?
Yes - anyone can be a member. As a member you will receive our bimonthly newsletter (sample on website), discounts at local merchants, and access to our office resources.

You do not need to be a member to attend our workshops and children’s events.

How do I become a member?
There are three ways to become a member:

1. You can register yourself as a member on the website. The $25 annual membership fee can be paid by Visa or Mastercard on the website.
2. You can mail in a cheque with your contact information (complete address, telephone number, and e-mail address (if applicable). We will then register you on the website.
3. You can come in person and pay directly.

Once we receive your payment we will mail out a "New Member Package" containing  the most recent newsletter, a booklet explaining the services and benefits, a receipt, a membership card, and a coupon for a free die cut package.