Using a checklist when evaluating and choosing a Coquitlam daycare ensures you don’t miss the factors that matter most for your child’s development and your family’s finances. This comprehensive Coquitlam daycare checklist covers the search, tour, and enrollment stages. For Smiling Kids: 604-600-4393. Daycare Coquitlam guide.
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.
Stage 1: Research Checklist — Before You Call
- ☐ Determine care type needed: Group Child Care Under 36 Months (centre-based) or Family Child Care (licensed home daycare)?
- ☐ Confirm your child’s age at target start date
- ☐ Confirm your target start date (or range)
- ☐ Confirm whether you need full-time (5 days) or part-time
- ☐ Search ChildCareBC.ca using your Coquitlam postal code (V3B, V3C, V3E, V3J, V3K)
- ☐ Filter for CCFRI-participating centres
- ☐ Create a list of 6-8 centres to contact
- ☐ Apply for ACCB on ChildCareBC.ca if not already done
Stage 2: First Call Checklist
- ☐ Is there current availability for my child’s age and start date?
- ☐ If not: can I join the waitlist? What is the estimated wait?
- ☐ Do you participate in CCFRI? What is the current reduction?
- ☐ Can I arrange a tour?
- ☐ Record: centre name, contact name, availability answer, waitlist status, CCFRI amount
Stage 3: Tour Checklist — At the Centre
- ☐ See and photograph the facility licence (it should be posted prominently)
- ☐ Meet the infant/toddler room educator — ask directly about ITE certification
- ☐ Observe educator-child interactions: warmth, responsiveness, language richness
- ☐ Observe children’s engagement and affect
- ☐ Check the safe sleep area for infants (individual labelled cribs, no loose items)
- ☐ View the outdoor space: fenced, equipped, accessible
- ☐ Ask about the settling-in process: how long, how structured?
- ☐ Ask about educator turnover: how long have current infant room educators been here?
- ☐ Request the most recent Fraser Health inspection report
- ☐ Ask about daily communication: written reports? App? Verbal handover?
Full question list: 20 questions for your Coquitlam daycare tour.
Stage 4: Decision and Enrollment Checklist
- ☐ Compare top 2-3 options: ITE certification verified, inspection history, educator tenure, settling-in approach
- ☐ Accept spot: sign parent service agreement, read all terms (especially withdrawal notice)
- ☐ Complete consent forms: sunscreen, photos, first aid, medication (if applicable)
- ☐ Provide: immunization records, BC health card, 3+ emergency contacts
- ☐ Confirm CCFRI fee is reflected in your first payment
- ☐ Submit ACCB approval letter to centre (or confirm application is in progress)
- ☐ Plan settling-in schedule: allow 4-5 weeks before your return-to-work date
Stage 5: Settling-In Checklist
- ☐ Brief, consistent goodbye ritual established with your educator
- ☐ Comfort object packed (labelled)
- ☐ Breast milk or formula instructions provided in writing
- ☐ Daily report reviewed each afternoon
- ☐ Emergency contact available to pick up within 30-60 minutes during the day
Related: how to apply for daycare in Coquitlam | mat leave and back-to-work planning.
