Alberta’s Dayhome Support Network (ADSN) is a province-wide support hub for dayhome professionals, offering community, professional development, and practical resources tailored to the realities of home-based child care. We serve both private and agency-affiliated providers, with a strong focus on reducing barriers for those who often go unsupported in Alberta’s current child care system. Through live training, downloadable tools, peer connection, and advocacy, ADSN helps dayhome professionals feel more confident, capable, and connected in their work.

How We Got Started: 

Alberta’s Dayhome Support Network began in 2018 as Embolden Private Dayhome Community, created by a single unlicensed dayhome provider—our Executive Director, Danielle Bourdin—who saw a gap in support for private dayhome professionals in Alberta. At the time, there were no targeted resources, no professional development tailored to home-based care, and no community spaces where providers operating outside the agency system could connect and grow.

What started as a small effort to support fellow private providers quickly grew into a trusted network of tools, training, and connection. As the community expanded, agency-affiliated educators also began seeking out the resources and sessions offered, drawn to the dayhome-specific focus and peer-driven approach.

Today, ADSN continues to honour its roots in private provider support, while welcoming all dayhome professionals who are looking for relevant, accessible, and empowering tools to help them thrive in this work.

Why ADSN Exists: 

In Alberta, dayhome programs are often viewed as “mini daycares,” rather than being recognized as a completely unique type of child care being offered in the province. This misconception contributes to a lack of relevant support that values the specialized approach that home-based care provides. ADSN was created to change that.

Families choose child care for many different reasons, and for many, private dayhomes are the right fit. Regardless of the type of program, all child care must be safe, stable, and high quality—and that means all providers need access to the support, training, and tools required to meet those expectations.

ADSN exists to ensure that all dayhome professionals, especially those operating outside traditional systems, aren’t left behind. We offer relevant, accessible support that reflects the real work of running a dayhome in Alberta.

When those supports are missing, it doesn’t just affect providers—it impacts the children and families they care for. Without access to strong safety guidance, ongoing learning opportunities, and meaningful community and mentorship, providers may struggle to feel confident and equipped in their roles, making it harder to maintain consistency, quality, and sustainability in their programs.

How We’ve Evolved: 

Over the years, ADSN has grown from a small, grassroots effort into a trusted and recognized support network for dayhome professionals across Alberta. As the early learning landscape has shifted, so have the needs of the educators within it. We’ve listened, adapted, and expanded, broadening our reach while staying grounded in the values that shaped our beginning.

We’ve deepened our offerings to include a wide range of professional development opportunities, created hundreds of dayhome-specific tools and resources, and built a vibrant online community where providers can connect, collaborate, and grow together.

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to relevance, accessibility, and provider-led support. As we continue to evolve, ADSN remains focused on creating practical solutions and meaningful connection for those delivering care in home-based settings—because strong providers build strong programs, and strong programs support thriving children and families.