Developing a childcare centre

Steps for establishing a childcare centre

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  1. Contact the Social Policy and Projects department

  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  and to the City’s Childcare Design Guidelines  (290 KB).

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  2. Assess project feasibility

  Develop a business plan to ensure the childcare facility is financially feasible, and that the proposed space can accommodate a design that meets the City’s design guidelines, and complies with provincial licensing requirements.

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  3. Develop a preliminary design

  Once you have a feasible plan, connect with Vancouver Coastal Health’s Community Care Facility Licensing (CCFL)  department to review your facility’s interior space and playground, and to apply for an operating license.

  Once you get a memo confirming that your application was received, proceed to step 4.

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  4. Apply for a development permit

  Take the CCFL memo and a copy of your licensing application form to the City’s Inquiry Centre for a development permit application. You can streamline 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  (86 KB) to determine application requirements.

  For further details on development permit application, contact the 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 , 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 the City 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 the City has given your childcare centre the green light, CCFL will inspect it to make sure all requirements are met, and issue your final licence.