Licensed childcare for children under 3 in BC (under 36 months) falls under the Group Child Care Under 36 Months licence category — the most regulated and lowest-ratio category of childcare in BC. This guide explains what under-3 licensed group care specifically requires and how families access it. For Smiling Kids Coquitlam: 604-600-4393. Infant daycare Coquitlam.
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.
BC Licensed Childcare Under 3 — The Regulations
Under BC’s CCLR, Group Child Care Under 36 Months requires:
- Maximum 1:4 educator-to-child ratio at ALL times (naps, outdoor, mealtimes)
- All educators hold ITE (Infant and Toddler Educator) certification (not just general ECE)
- Minimum indoor and outdoor space per child
- Safe sleep standards for infants: back sleeping, individual labelled cribs, no loose items
- Fraser Health inspection compliance
Cost of Licensed Childcare Under 3 in BC
Under-3 care (infant and toddler rooms) is the most expensive category of licensed BC childcare — due to the staffing ratio requirements. However, CCFRI and ACCB specifically support under-3 care:
- CCFRI for under-36-month care: approximately $700-950/month at participating centres
- ACCB: income-tested, up to ~$1,250/month for children under 36 months
Full subsidy guide: BC childcare subsidy 2026 | CCFRI vs ACCB | daycare cost BC.
Smiling Kids — Licensed Childcare BC Under 3
Smiling Kids holds a Group Child Care Under 36 Months licence from Fraser Health. Our infant room (3-18 months) and toddler room (18-36 months) both meet all CCLR under-3 standards: 1:4 ratio, ITE-certified educators, safe sleep compliance, CCFRI participation. Call 604-600-4393.
