Opening a Dayhome Soon? We’re Here to Help!
Essential tools, expert guidance, and community support to launch your successful dayhome.
HOW WE CAN HELP
We know that starting a dayhome is both exciting and challenging. Our resources, expert advice, and community support are here to guide you from day one. Here’s how we can help:
1. Practical Resources at Your Fingertips
2. Step-by-Step Guidance
3. Ongoing Learning Opportunities
4. Community and Mentorship
5. Easy Access to Expert Tips & Insights
GETTING STARTED
Welcome to the start of your dayhome journey! Opening a dayhome can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges. We’re here to make it easier with trusted resources, expert insights, and a community of fellow dayhome providers. Whether you’re getting licensed or operating independently, our resources are designed to guide you every step of the way, helping you provide a safe, enriching environment for the children in your care.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE: "YOUR DAYHOME LAUNCH GUIDE"
Have you been scouring the internet for a road map on how to start a dayhome in Alberta? Look no further! We’ve compiled a 95 page guide that covers every single aspect of starting and running a dayhome in Alberta. Our dayhome guide covers the essential steps you need to take to have a successful and smooth dayhome launch. Explore the guide to learn how to tackle these essential steps and more!
Step 1: Understanding Regulations & Business Requirements
Since you’re on our “Opening Soon” page, we’re going to assume that by this point, you’ve already decided which type of dayhome program you’re going to run. Whether you’ll operate privately or contract with a licensed dayhome agency, it’s important to understand the regulations that are applicable to your dayhome type. Here are some resources to help you explore the regulations that govern dayhome programs in Alberta.
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): ADSN Dayhome Guide – Chapter 6 – Getting Started
- Government of Alberta Website: Becoming a family dayhome educator
If you have not yet decided which type of dayhome program you want to run, you might want to check out our “Interested in Starting a Dayhome” Page.
Step 2: Create Your Policies
One of the most difficult parts of starting a dayhome is creating your policies and procedures. However, a clear, professional set of policies ensures transparency with parents and protects your business so getting this right is important. Not sure where to start? We have a variety of resources to help you draft a rock solid set of policies and procedures for your dayhome.
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): Parent Handbook Outline Template
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): Parent Handbook Checklist
- Member Exclusive Resource (available with ADSN Membership): Complete Parent Handbook Template
- Blog Post: “A Good Parent Handbook is Essential for Success“
Step 3: Setting Up Your Space
At this point in your journey, you’ve likely already started thinking about the dayhome space you’d like to create for your business. Establishing a safe, child-friendly environment is crucial for fostering a nurturing atmosphere where children can thrive. But how do you do it? You might like to check out these resources to help you get the process started.
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): ADSN Dayhome Guide – Chapter 10
- Member Exclusive Resource (available with ADSN Membership): Dayhome Safety Checklist
- Blog Post: “Creating Safe Outdoor Environments“
Step 4: Business Essentials
Are you a paper person? Meticulously organizing every document and detail? Or do you prefer to focus your time and energy on creating engaging activities for the children in your care? Many dayhome providers find themselves juggling both sides of the job—managing paperwork while also striving to make every day a fun, enriching experience for the kids. So where do you even begin? We’ve got you covered. Inside the ADSN Portal we provide you with virtually every form and template you could possibly ever need as you run your dayhome program. If designing forms and waivers is not your thing – you’ll love what we have to offer.
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): Basic Medication Permission Form
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): Basic Incident Report Form
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): Basic Authorized Pickup Form
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): Basic Illness Notice Form
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): Basic Monthly Attendance Sheets
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): Basic Portable Emergency Record Template
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): Fire Drill Record Template
PLUS: With an ADSN Membership, you gain access to our entire Forms Library where we provide you with over 20 essential forms and templates. Many of our Member Exclusive forms are Editable PDF’s which helps you to save paper when sending forms to families.
- Member Exclusive Resources (with ADSN Membership):
Emergency Phone Number Template
Dayhome Contract Template (2 Versions)
Emergency Release Form
Over the Counter Medication Permission Form
Authorized Pickup Form
Photo Release Form
Outdoor Equipment Waiver
Editable Incident Report Form
Family Pet Form
Car Seat Waiver
Backup Provider Waiver
About Your Child Template
Transportation Permission Form
We also have an Editable Onboarding Package that contains key forms that you’ll need to send to your dayhome families prior to starting care. It even includes a section where they can tell you all about their child’s preferences and routines so that you can ensure you are providing the best care possible.
Step 5: Finding & Enrolling Families
So, you’re all prepared to welcome some wonderful families into your dayhome—now what? Getting the word out to local families is essential for filling those spots, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From creating professional-looking flyers that grab attention to preparing for effective, welcoming interviews, our resources are here to make the enrollment process a breeze. Here are some that you might like to check out.
- Free Resource (with ADSN Account): ADSN Dayhome Guide – Chapter 13 – Finding Families
- Member Exclusive Resources (with ADSN Membership): ADSN Members Directory
- Member Exclusive Resources (with ADSN Membership): Dayhome Marketing 101 Guide
- Member Exclusive Resources (with ADSN Membership): Interviewing Workbook
- Member Exclusive Resources (with ADSN Membership): Replay of our Dayhome Marketing 101 Course
TIME TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNNING
Alright, you’ve made it this far in completing those last steps to opening your dayhome business!
You’re well on your way to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive, and families can feel secure. By taking the time to prepare, organize, and connect with your community, you’ve laid a strong foundation for your success.
Don’t forget to download our Dayhome Guide and utilize the resources that are available to you.
If you find yourself needing a little extra support, feel free to book a free 30-minute consultation with Danielle – the Executive Director of ADSN. Together, you can tackle any remaining questions and set yourself up for a bright future. And for those looking for ongoing guidance, consider upgrading to our Membership for even more valuable tools and personalized support.
You’re on the brink of something amazing—let’s make it happen!
Download Our Free Dayhome Guide
An active ADSN Provider Account is required to download our Dayhome Guide. Fill out the form below to download this resource and we’ll sign you up for a free account.
Why do you collect my postal code? We collect postal codes from our registrants to help us track where our participants are located so that we can ensure we are providing adequate supports to those areas.
CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR RESOURCES
