Surrey BC parents sometimes worry about technology use at licensed childcare centres — whether tablets, smartboards, or other screens are used with young children, and what the research says about screen time in early childhood care settings. This guide addresses technology and screen time policy at Surrey BC licensed childcare.
Canadian Pediatric Society Screen Time Guidelines for Young Children
The Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) recommends: zero screen time for children under 2 years (except video chatting with family); no more than 1 hour/day of high-quality programming for children 2–5 years; and always with co-viewing and discussion, never passive solo consumption. These are guidelines for home environments — the principle that young children’s brain development benefits most from human interaction rather than screen consumption applies equally in licensed childcare settings. See our screen time guide.
What MCFD Licensing Says About Screens
MCFD’s Child Care Licensing Regulation does not prescribe specific screen time limits for licensed centres — but the regulation’s requirement for “developmentally appropriate programming” and alignment with the BC Early Learning Framework creates a strong implicit standard. The BC ELF explicitly promotes “active, creative, physical and social play” as the primary curriculum vehicle — passive screen consumption is inconsistent with ELF principles. MCFD inspectors evaluating program quality would view excessive screen use as inconsistent with licensing program requirements, even without a specific daily minute limit in the regulation.
Technology Uses That ARE Appropriate in Licensed Childcare
Not all technology use in licensed childcare is problematic:
- Documentation tools: iPads used by educators for learning story photos and documentation — not with children, by educators for professional documentation purposes
- Communication apps: HiMama, Brightwheel, or similar parent communication platforms — the educator-facing communication function, not child-facing content
- Music technology: Bluetooth speakers streaming age-appropriate music for movement, dancing, and music-making — audio-only, not visual screen
- Educational technology for specific purposes: For preschool-age children (4–5 years), brief, co-viewed, interactive educational content — less than 15 minutes — used intentionally with educator engagement and discussion can be appropriate
- Video calling with families: Brief video calls with parents during difficult settling-in periods — this is attachment-supportive, not entertainment
Red Flags: Screen Use to Watch For on Your Tour
During your Surrey BC childcare tour, watch for: tablets or TV screens visible in main play areas; children gathered around screens without adult co-engagement; screens used as a “settling” tool for upset children (screen = pacifier is an inappropriate use); or educational videos playing in the background throughout the day. Ask directly: Do you have a screen time policy? Can I see it? When, if ever, are screens used with children? See our complete tour checklist.
Screen Time Policy at Mini Minds Childcare, Newton Surrey BC
Mini Minds Childcare’s program is screen-minimal for children — consistent with CPS guidelines and the BC Early Learning Framework. Technology in our centre is used primarily by educators for documentation and parent communication, not as a child-facing entertainment or settling tool. MCFD-licensed, MCFD-licensed, Newton Surrey BC. See our licensed childcare Surrey BC guide. Ask about our screen time policy on your tour.