When schools close and families are scrambling for care, it’s natural for providers to want to help as many children as possible. Parents are doing everything they can to find safe, trusted options, and dayhome providers (and others opening their homes during the strike) are often the first to step up.
The desire to say “yes” to everyone is strong. But there’s an important reality we can’t ignore: Alberta law places clear limits on how many children can be cared for in a home setting.
What the Law Says
Under Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Act:
“No person shall, except in accordance with a facility-based licence, offer or provide child care to more than 6 children, not including the person’s own children.”
This legislation applies across the board. Whether you regularly run a dayhome or are simply opening your doors during the strike, caring for more than six children (not including your own) is not allowed unless you hold a facility-based licence.
Why the Rules Feel Unfair
We know many providers are frustrated when they see camps and short-term programs operating with large groups. Camps aren’t classified as “child care” under Alberta law. They fall under a different category entirely, which is why they don’t face the same 6-child cap.
That doesn’t make the frustration any less real. However, dayhomes are legally defined as child care, and the rules exist for a reason: to keep children safe and to protect caregivers from being stretched beyond safe and sustainable limits.
A Message to Providers
You are doing incredible work under difficult circumstances. Families are leaning on you, and the pressure to take on “just one more” child is real. But holding the line isn’t a sign that you don’t care — it’s proof that you care enough to honour the law, prioritize safety, and protect your livelihood.
Respecting the 6-child limit keeps everyone safe: you, the children, and the families who trust you.
A Message to Parents
We see you, too. Finding care during a teacher strike is stressful and overwhelming. In times like these, it may feel tempting to accept any care arrangement available. But one of the most important choices you can make for your child is to select care that follows Alberta’s safety standards and legal requirements.
Choosing providers who stay within the 6-child limit isn’t just about compliance — it’s about your child’s safety and the long-term strength of the dayhome sector.
Moving Forward Together
Whether you’re a long-time dayhome provider or someone temporarily helping families during the strike, the message is the same: stay within the law.
By honouring Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Act, we ensure that children are cared for safely, providers are protected, and families can trust that the care they choose is both legal and responsible.
Government Resources
When it comes to child care and school disruptions, here are some trusted Government of Alberta resources to support families during the teacher strike:
Learn about legislation, subsidies, licensed family day homes, and the Child Care Lookup Tool.
🔗 alberta.ca/child-care
Stay informed on the teacher strike and other provincial updates.
🔗 alberta.ca/news
Includes the Parent Toolkit (K–12 learning resources in English, French, and French Immersion), details on the $30/day Parent Payment Program, information on out-of-school care extensions, and links to local school board updates.
🔗 alberta.ca/parent-supports-during-school-closure
ADSN Resources:
Alongside government supports, Alberta’s Dayhome Support Network (ADSN) provides practical tools and community-based resources to help providers and families navigate this challenging time:
Check out our Parent Guide for detailed information on choosing quality dayhome care.
🔗 https://adsn.ca/parents
A quick guide to spot quality care.
🔗 adsn.ca/parents
A quick guide to review a provider’s policies before enrolling. Covers fees, schedules, illness rules, and communication so you can feel confident in your choice.
🔗 https://adsn.ca/parents
Taking Care of Ourselves
The teacher strike places extra demands on both families and providers. With more children needing care and routines disrupted, it’s easy to feel stretched thin.
Remember that your own well-being matters—taking breaks, setting boundaries, and leaning on community support helps you manage these added pressures. When parents and providers care for themselves, they’re better able to create safe and nurturing spaces for children during uncertain times.
And remember, Alberta’s Dayhome Support Network is here to support both parents and providers with resources, guidance, and community—because you don’t have to navigate this alone.
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