Surrey BC families searching for licensed childcare ask the same questions repeatedly — here are the 20 most common questions about licensed childcare in Surrey BC, with direct answers drawn from BC’s licensed childcare program, MCFD regulations, and Mini Minds Childcare’s direct experience.
Top 20 Licensed Childcare Questions in Surrey BC
1. What does licensed childcare mean and how do I get licensed care rates childcare?
licensed childcare (Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care) is a federal-provincial agreement that subsidizes licensed childcare fees to approximately licensed care rates at participating centres. You get this rate automatically by enrolling at a MCFD-licensed centre — no separate application required. See our licensed childcare guide.
2. How long are Surrey BC childcare waitlists?
Infant waitlists: 12–24 months. Toddler waitlists: 3–9 months. Preschool waitlists: 1–6 months. Apply to 5–8 centres simultaneously. See our waitlist strategy guide.
3. When should I start looking for childcare in Surrey BC?
Prenatally — ideally in the first trimester. For toddler spots, as soon as you know your target start date, even 6+ months in advance. See our when to start guide.
4. What is the difference between licensed and unlicensed childcare in Surrey BC?
Licensed centres are inspected and regulated by MCFD; unlicensed care is unregulated. licensed childcare only applies to licensed care. See our licensed vs. unlicensed guide.
5. Does my immigration status affect licensed childcare eligibility?
No — licensed childcare applies to all children enrolled at participating centres regardless of immigration status. See our newcomer families guide.
6. What is the educator-to-child ratio in BC licensed childcare?
Infants: 1:4. Toddlers: 1:4. Preschool: 1:8. Group ratios. MCFD licensing requires these minimums.
7. Does my child need to be toilet trained to start childcare?
No — most Surrey BC licensed centres do not require toilet training for toddler enrollment. See our potty training guide.
8. Can I visit the childcare centre before enrolling?
Yes — always tour before enrolling. See our tour checklist for 40+ questions to ask.
9. What should my child bring to daycare in Surrey BC?
Typically: labelled water bottle, spare clothing, comfort item (for settling in), sunscreen, seasonal outdoor clothing. The centre will provide a detailed list at enrollment.
10. How do I check if a Surrey BC childcare centre is licensed?
Search findchildcare.ca — BC’s official licensed care directory. All licensed centres are listed with their licence number and inspection history.
11–20: More Common Questions
11. Do I pay for statutory holidays? Most centres charge fees for BC statutory holidays. Confirm in your enrollment contract. 12. What happens if my child is sick? Sick children cannot attend — fees typically still apply. See our sick days guide. 13. Can I do part-time enrollment? Many centres offer 3-day/week options. See our full vs part-time guide. 14. What is a settling-in period? A gradual transition process where your child spends increasing time at the centre with you present. See our settling-in guide. 15. How do I know if a centre is high quality? See our quality indicators guide. 16. Is licensed childcare available for all ages? Yes — infant, toddler, and preschool at participating centres. 17. What is the BC Child Care Subsidy? Additional income-tested support — see our subsidy guide. 18. What is the Childcare BC registry? A provincial waitlist registry — not a universal system, but used by some centres in Surrey BC. 19. Can grandparents be authorized for pickup? Yes — designate authorized alternate pickups at enrollment. 20. Is Mini Minds Childcare MCFD-licensed? Yes — Mini Minds at 19228 96 Ave Newton Surrey BC is MCFD-licensed. Fees as low as licensed care rates. Contact us to enroll.