Full step-by-step guide
How to Start a Family Day Home in Calgary
A practical guide for people preparing to become an approved family day home educator with a licensed agency. See the recommended order, official starting points, and what to do now versus later.
Read SMADA’s official-requirements checklist for Calgary educators
Recommended order
Do these in a calmer, smarter sequence
You do not need to do everything at once. The goal is the right order, not maximum stress.
✅ Step 1
Reach out first
Start with a simple application so we can understand your situation, answer questions, and guide the order of your next steps.
✅ Step 2
Confirm your home situation
Do you own your home or rent? If you rent, landlord permission matters early and should not be left until the end.
✅ Step 3
Start the Level 1 ECE path
For many people, the Alberta orientation course is the easiest first move because it is a straightforward entry path toward ECE certification and possible provincial supports for eligible educators.
✅ Step 4
Book the right First Aid / CPR course
Do not waste money on the wrong course. Make sure you book a course accepted for childcare settings.
✅ Step 5
Apply for your criminal check
Do this early enough that timing does not become a problem later. This is a foundational approval item.
✅ Step 6
Review insurance and home readiness with support
These are important, but they are easier and less stressful when handled in the right order with guidance.
Existing education & experience
You may already be further ahead than you think
In Alberta, you are not always starting from zero. Your education and experience are assessed, and in many cases, previous training can count toward your certification.
○Education or childcare training from another country
○Teaching degrees or classroom experience
○Psychology, social work, or related programs
○Canadian diplomas or degrees (even outside childcare)
○Previous work with children in any setting
For many applicants, this can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to become certified.
Do not assume you are starting from zero.
You may already be closer than you think, and we help you understand exactly where you stand before you spend time or money.
Before you take any courses, apply first. We’ll help you understand what actually counts.
What to do now vs later
Reduce overwhelm by separating the steps
People often get stuck because everything feels urgent. It is not. Here is the cleaner way to think about it.
Do first
○Reach out to SMADA
○Confirm whether you own or rent
○Understand the Level 1 ECE path
Do soon
○Book the right First Aid / CPR course
○Apply for the criminal record check
○Ask for landlord permission if you rent
○Think ahead about references, physician note, and proof of age
Do with support
○Choose the right insurance path
○Prepare your home for readiness standards
○Map out Level 2 and Level 3 growth later
Common mistakes
What makes people lose time
○
Waiting too long to ask the landlord
→ Ask early. This can block everything later if delayed.
○
Booking the wrong First Aid / CPR course
→ Confirm the correct course first so you don’t waste money or time.
○Assuming Level 1 is complicated
→ It’s simpler than it sounds. Start early and build momentum.
→ It’s simpler than it sounds. Start early and build momentum.
○Buying insurance too early
→ Wait until the right stage so you don’t overpay or choose the wrong coverage.
→ Wait until the right stage so you don’t overpay or choose the wrong coverage.
○Thinking only your own documents matter
→ In some cases, other adults in the home or regular household presence can affect approval too.
→ In some cases, other adults in the home or regular household presence can affect approval too.
Direct links
Official places to start
○Ask SMADA to confirm the current First Aid / CPR course before booking
○Ask us directly about references, physician note, and household-member screening requirements
Downloads
Practical forms and support files
Download these first if you rent. They are the two files most likely to save time early.
Still unsure?
Let us help you sort the order.
You do not need to figure out the entire process before reaching out. SMADA is a licensed agency taking educator applications now so serious people can begin with clarity and support.