One of the most common questions Coquitlam daycare parents ask: “Does this centre offer part-time spots?” The answer depends heavily on the centre, the age group, and what “part-time” actually means in licensed childcare. This guide covers what part-time and full-time daycare actually looks like at licensed Coquitlam centres, why most infant spots are full-time, and what to do if you need a flexible schedule. For our full Coquitlam daycare guide: daycare Coquitlam. Call 604-600-4393 to discuss availability.
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.
Why Most Licensed Infant Care in Coquitlam Is Full-Time
The 1:4 educator-to-infant ratio mandated by BC’s Child Care Licensing Regulation makes part-time infant care economically challenging for licensed operators. Each infant spot represents significant staff cost — an ITE-qualified educator at a 1:4 ratio means every 4 enrolled infants require one educator’s full salary. If those 4 spots are filled with 8 part-time infants alternating days, the operator faces a coordination problem without proportional revenue. This is why most licensed infant centres in Coquitlam offer primarily full-time spots with limited part-time availability.
What “Full-Time” Means at Smiling Kids
Full-time care at Smiling Kids is 5 days per week, with operating hours from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You choose your pick-up time within those hours. Most full-time families use 8–10 hours per day. Monthly fee includes:
- Full 5-day enrollment (you pay monthly, not per-day-used)
- All CCFRI subsidy benefits applied automatically
- Morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack provided
- Daily communication and developmental reporting
- Excluded: BC statutory holidays (we close; fee credit applied)
Part-Time Options — What’s Available
Part-time daycare availability at licensed Coquitlam centres including Smiling Kids is limited and dependent on current enrollment configurations. When part-time spots do open, they are typically:
- 3-day fixed schedule (Mon/Wed/Fri or Tue/Thu/Fri): The most common part-time structure at licensed centres — predictable for educators and parents
- Shared spots: Two families share one licensed spot — Family A attends Mon/Wed, Family B attends Tue/Thu/Fri. Less common but possible
- Half-day: Rare for infant care due to nap timing; more common for preschool-age children
Part-time spots at Smiling Kids are available on a waitlist basis. Contact us to discuss current availability and whether a part-time schedule can be accommodated for your child’s age group.
The Real Cost Question: Part-Time Is Not Proportionally Cheaper
Parents often assume 3-day daycare costs 60% of 5-day daycare. In practice, part-time pricing at licensed centres is typically 70–85% of the full-time rate, because:
- Fixed costs (educator salaries, rent, admin) don’t scale proportionally with part-time enrollment
- CCFRI is paid per spot, not per hour — a licensed spot costs the operator whether filled 3 or 5 days per week
- Part-time spots are harder to fill, representing higher vacancy risk for the operator
For current fee information including CCFRI reductions: daycare cost Coquitlam 2026.
CCFRI and Part-Time Spots — How Subsidies Apply
CCFRI applies to part-time spots at participating licensed centres, though the reduction may be prorated based on the number of care hours. ACCB is calculated based on the number of care days — so part-time care typically receives a partial ACCB benefit. For subsidy details: BC childcare subsidy eligibility 2026.
Flexible Scheduling at Smiling Kids — What We Can Accommodate
While Smiling Kids primarily operates on a full-time enrollment model, we understand that family schedules vary. We can discuss:
- Occasional scheduled absences (booked in advance — fee credit may apply)
- Reduced-hour pickup (coming earlier than 6 PM is always fine)
- Temporary schedule changes for family circumstances (contact us to discuss)
We are not able to offer ad-hoc drop-in care or unscheduled flexible scheduling — maintaining the 1:4 ratio requires predictable enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions — Full-Time vs Part-Time Daycare Coquitlam
Does Smiling Kids offer part-time daycare spots in Coquitlam?
Part-time availability is limited and enrollment-dependent. Contact us at 604-600-4393 to ask about current part-time availability in your child’s age group. We will let you know what is currently possible and whether a waitlist spot is available.
Can I switch from part-time to full-time later?
In most cases yes, subject to availability. As your enrollment becomes established and if a full-time spot opens, you can typically convert. Ask about this option at enrollment — we can note your preference and contact you when a full-time spot becomes available.
Is there a waitlist for part-time spots in Coquitlam daycare?
Yes. Part-time spots at licensed Coquitlam centres are typically waitlisted, especially for infant and toddler age groups. The earlier you contact centres, the better. Start reaching out 3-6 months before your target start date — or earlier for infant spots, which have the longest waitlists. For more: how to choose a licensed daycare in Coquitlam.
Related Reading
Full ACCB guide: ACCB childcare BC — what it is and how to apply.
