BC’s Child Care Licensing Regulation (CCLR) is the provincial regulation that defines the legal standards for all licensed childcare in British Columbia. Understanding CCLR is essential for families evaluating licensed daycare options in Coquitlam — it’s the framework that makes “licensed” meaningful. For Smiling Kids’ licensed programme: daycare Coquitlam. Call 604-600-4393.
For information on BC childcare subsidies and licensed daycare regulations, visit the Government of BC Childcare Resources. Smiling Kids Childcare Centre is a licensed childcare facility meeting all BC childcare regulations.
What Is BC’s Child Care Licensing Regulation (CCLR)?
The CCLR is a provincial regulation made under BC’s Community Care and Assisted Living Act. It sets minimum standards for all licensed childcare facilities in BC including:
- Educator-to-child ratios by age group
- Educator credential requirements (ECE, ITE)
- Physical facility requirements (indoor/outdoor space minimums)
- Nutrition and feeding standards
- Safe sleep standards for infants
- Emergency preparedness requirements
- Illness exclusion and health protocols
- Programming and developmental standards
Key CCLR Requirements for Infant and Toddler Care
| CCLR Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 1:4 educator-to-child ratio (under 36 months) | Maximum 4 children per educator in infant/toddler rooms at all times — including during naps and outdoor time |
| ITE certification required for infant/toddler rooms | Educators in rooms serving children under 36 months must hold both ECE certificate and Infant and Toddler Educator (ITE) certification |
| Safe sleep standards | Infants must sleep on their backs in their own labelled sleep space on a firm surface, without loose bedding, consistent with BC Safe Sleep Guidelines |
| Minimum outdoor space | Licensed group care must provide fenced, accessible outdoor space meeting CCLR square footage minimums per child |
| Illness exclusion policy | Written illness policy required; must follow BC Health Guidelines for Schools and Licensed Childcare (e.g., fever ≥38°C, 24-hour exclusion) |
Who Enforces CCLR?
Regional health authorities administer CCLR through their licensing departments. In Coquitlam (and the broader Tri-Cities area), Fraser Health enforces the CCLR. Inspectors conduct unannounced inspections — typically 1-2 per year per centre — against all CCLR requirements. Centres found non-compliant receive compliance notices; serious or repeated violations can result in licence suspension or revocation.
CCLR and Provincial Subsidy Programs
BC’s main childcare subsidies (CCFRI and ACCB) are exclusively available to licensed operators who comply with CCLR. This means: choosing licensed childcare is the prerequisite for accessing provincial financial support. Related: licensed vs. unlicensed childcare BC | Fraser Health licensing Coquitlam | BC childcare subsidy 2026.
