Developing a childcare centre

Steps for establishing a childcare centre

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  1. Contact our Social Policy and Projects Division 

  Contact our Social Policy and Projects department (childcare@vancouver.ca) to ensure your project meets our requirements.

  We can help you get started in creating a safe and supportive early learning environment that conforms to the Provincial Child Care Licensing Regulations External website, opens in new tab and to the City’s Childcare Design Guidelines PDF file (290 KB).

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  2. Assess project feasibility

  Develop a business plan to ensure the childcare is financially feasible and incorporates the City’s design guidelines and provincial licensing requirements.

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  3. Develop a preliminary design

  Once you have a feasible plan, connect with Vancouver's Coastal Health's Community Care Facility Licensing (CCFL) External website, opens in new tab to review your facility’s interior space and playground, and to apply for an operating licence.

  Once you receive a memo from them acknowledging they received your application, proceed to the next step.

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  4. Apply for a development permit

  To apply for a development permit, take the CCFL memo along with a copy of your licensing application form to our Inquiry Centre. You can speed up the process by including:

   

  • A complete and detailed set of plans that includes info on the proposed indoor and outdoor spaces
  • An operational plan
  • A completed permit application form
  • Payment 

  See our Childcare Development Permit Checklist PDF file (86 KB) to determine application requirements.

   

  For further details on development permit applications, contact our Development and Building Services Enquiry Centre.

   

  Email: csg.enquiry@vancouver.ca
  Phone: 604-873-7611

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  5. Finalize the facility’s design

  Work with City and CCFL staff to incorporate Vancouver's building code, BC building code External website, opens in new tab, and development permit requirements into your final design.

  You may be required to change aspects of your design during the development permit review process.

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  6. Apply for a building permit

  Once your project has been granted a development permit, submit the following:

  • a completed building permit application
  • an owner’s undertaking letter
  • copies of detailed working drawings

  For further details on building permit application, contact the Development and Building Services Enquiry Centre.

  Email: csg.enquiry@vancouver.ca
  Phone: 604-873-7611

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  7. Building the childcare centre

  Once you receive a building permit, you may begin building your centre.

  While the centre is under construction, work with CCFL to ensure the spaces you are creating are licensable.

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  8. Apply for an occupancy permit

  After construction is complete, request a final inspection from us to ensure that your space is safe.

  Apply for your occupancy permit once you pass the final inspection.

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  9. Receive a licence to operate the childcare centre

  Once we approve your childcare centre, CCFL will inspect it to make sure all requirements are met, and provide you with your final licence.