Resources, Templates
and Policy Examples
Facing challenges such as coronavirus (COVID-19) is not new to Indigenous communities. We have responded to many different emergencies for many years. However, working together helps us move through challenging times and sharing knowledge helps keep our community strong, safe, and healthy. This page offers Child Care professionals a variety of resources to support you as you navigate planning, financial, policy, family, and business needs.
BCACCS is not able to determine whether the training opportunities listed are considered eligible to be used towards renewal of certification through the ECE Registry.
All COVID-19 resources will also be listed in the BCACCS Resource Centre COVID-19 Subject Guide, searchable by keyword.
Resources ᐅ
Tools for Running Your
Own Program ᐅ
Health ᐅ
Licensing ᐅ
Child Care ᐅ
and Children ᐅ
Professional
Development ᐅ
Something Missing?
Let us Know ᐅ
Tools for Running Your Own Program
This section includes tools and templates to help you run your program smoothly.
• BC Early Learning Framework
B.C.’s Early Learning Framework guides and supports early childhood educators, primary school teachers, principals and vice-principals, college and university educators and researchers, post-secondary students in early childhood and elementary education programs, other early years professionals, communities, governments and families.
• BCAAFC Child Care Resource Manual
This Resource Manual has an emphasis on developing licensed child care programming as that need was identified.
• Family Child Care Business Manual Business Manual
The Family Child Care Business Manual is provided by Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre through the Child Care Professional Development and Training Fund, B. C. Ministry of Children and Family Development.
• Care Plan – Child Care
Section 58 of the Child Care Licensing Regulation requires a licensee to have current care plans for each child that attends the facility who requires extra support. Child Care Licensing Regulation defines a child requiring extra support as a child who, for physical, intellectual, emotional, communicative or behavioural reasons, requires support or services that are additional to, or distinct from, those provided to other children.
• Sample Fire Safety Plan Child Care Facilities
You can use this plan as a template to build your own.
• Child Care Design Guidelines
The City of Richmond provides the following Child Care Design Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) to assist city staff and the development community in the creation of child care space within Richmond for child care space in city-owned or city-leased premises. The Guidelines are provided to the public as a resource on an information only basis.
• Sample Kidcare Daycare Policies & Procedures
Sample Policy and procedure manual for parents and child care providers.
• Local Government Requirements: A Handbook for Child Care Providers
Publication from the Provincial Office of the Early Years that provides information for municipal regulations and processes related to developing child care facilities. Click this link to view the handbook.
• How to Start a Child Care Facility in BC
This print resource developed by Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre provides an overview of the key steps in planning a child care facility in BC.
Click here to view the handbook.
• The Seven Cs – An Informational Guide to Young Children’s Play Spaces
The goal of the Seven Cs is to help people design outdoor play spaces that support the development of young children and integrate the unique qualities of playing outdoors.
Click here to read more about the 7 Cs.
Click here to read the full 7 Cs Document.
• Fraser Health Child Care
Everything you would like to know about licensed child care can be found at this site. Everything from how to apply for a license, to a Q & A on complaints and investigations to resources for child care operators and much more.
Click here to visit the website.
• Occupational Standards for Child Care Administration
Occupational Standards describe what a person in a particular occupation must know and be able to do to be considered ‘competent’ in the occupation – that is, the skills and knowledge required to do their job effectively, safely and properly.
• Child care centre physical environments
The physical characteristics of an ELCC program have an impact on the children, staff, parents and the broader community.
Online Training
• Pacific Women Association of First Nations Women
Provides Indigenous, culturally safe learning and offer holistic supports to uplift Indigenous women and strengthen families.
• Coursera
Search this website for free online Early Childhood Education university courses.
• Science of Early Child Development
The Science of Early Child Development (SECD) is a knowledge translation and mobilization initiative designed to make current research accessible to anyone interested in learning more about the impact of early experience on lifelong health and well-being.
• Brain Story Certification
Learn the scientific underpinnings of the Brain Story from leading experts.
• The Power of Play to Take Care of Us
The Neufield Institute (with Facilitator Deborah MacNamara) recorded and shared this webinar. Isn’t play frivolous? Something to be done when everything else is taken care of? How can we even think about playing during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Early Learning Framework Training modules
Work is being done to develop an online learning resource to accompany the updated Early Learning Framework. The plan is to launch this course in the summer of 2020. Until then, the online training modules associated with the 2008 version are still available.
• A Joyful Life of Caregiving
After completing A Joyful Life of Caregiving, you will be able discuss why your work with children is important, discuss ways to create a joyful atmosphere for children and adults, and determine the most important aspects of children’s environments.
• Anaphylaxis in Child Care Settings
Allergy Aware offers a 30 minute workshop on Anaphylaxis in Child Care Settings.
• Appetite To Play
Appetite To Play offers two 90 minute online modules on Healthy Eating and Physical Literacy. See the Training pull-down menu to begin.
• Early Childhood Investigations Webinars
Early Childhood Investigations offers free webinars to early childhood educators. The series is produced by Engagement Strategies, LLC., and presented by leading authors, experts, and leaders. Now, you can participate in conference-quality training without leaving your home, classroom, or office.
• Healthy Eating in the Childcare Setting – Division of Responsibility Model
Fraser Health’s Learning Hub has a one-hour workshop put together to help promote healthy eating in the Childcare Setting.
• Have A Ball Together!
Two 30-minute webinars dedicated to physical activity and physical literacy for children aged 0-6.
• Prevent It!
A 90 minutes online workshop dedicated to helping prevent child sexual abuse.
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Training
By receiving training on FASD, organizations that work with individuals living with the disability can gain a better understanding of FASD and tailor supports to meet the individuals’ needs. Check what upcoming workshops are available online through the FASD Network.
• Family Sparks
The Early Childhood Educator Professional Development Package includes 10 one-hour child development courses together in one convenient package.
• Circle of Ideas
This website provides early childhood online workshops.
• Workshops on Early Learning
Accessing professional development is particularly difficult for ECEs living in rural and remote communities and that there is not always a good selection of quality online or distance education courses. These courses are offered for early childhood educators to complete the professional development online.
• Neufeld Institute
Most of the courses listed here are offered through the continuing education program which is housed on our state‐of‐the‐art virtual campus. These courses feature online support, discussion forums, study guides, supplementary resources, and much more. For individuals taking the self-paced version, you may register at any time.
• Perpetual Preschool Lesson Plans and Online Workshops
In addition to the free curriculum and preschool lesson plans, Perpetual Preschool offers online workshops for early childhood professionals. They are self-study and will never expire.
• Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL)
Many free webinars are being offered which may be of interest to those in early learning and child care sector. Check their calendar for upcoming events.
• HighScope Professional Learning Courses
HighScope’s professional learning courses are designed to respond to participants’ individual strengths and focus on practical application and implementation in real world settings.
• Food Safety BC Courses
These courses on food safety are designed for anyone who works in the food service industry. FOODSAFE courses can be used in B.C. and across Canada to meet the requirements for food safety training.
• Westcoast Early Learning Library (WELL)
Resource Library for Early Childhood Educators, ECE Students and Caregivers
Health
Important COVID-19 Health Information
It can seem like an overwhelming amount of information is available about COVID-19. We are providing a selection of important links to COVID-19 health information as a resource. We recognize that these are not all the sites with up-to-date and credible resources available. During the pandemic, it is critical that you refer to and keep up-to-date with health authority guidelines relevant to you.
All COVID-19 resources will also be listed in the BCACCS Resource Centre COVID-19 Subject Guide, searchable by keyword.
Program Resources and Supports
• Considerations for Continuity of Safe Care During COVID-19 Pandemic Conditions
This resource sheet created by BCACCS, offers ideas and considerations for community leadership and IELCC programs who may decide to provide continued and/or alternative child care supports and services to families and communities during pandemic conditions.
• COVID 19: Public Health Guidance for Childcare Settings
The Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control have created an information sheet COVID 19: Public Health Guidance for Childcare Settings that has some guidelines about hand washing, cleaning and ideas about social distancing for you to consider in your childcare setting.
• Child Care Response to COVID-19
Childcare BC is committed to keeping parents, childcare providers and partners informed about steps government is taking to address the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Questions and Answers on COVID-19 and Childcare Settings
The Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control have created FAQ for child care settings.
• Childcare & Schools
As child care owners and/or operators, you and your staff play a key role in protecting children from, and minimizing the impact of infection and illness. This website provides information about hand washing, cleaning and ideas about physical distancing for you to consider in your childcare setting.
• Child Care Daily Health Check Resource
This check list was created by Vancouver Coastal Health to help parents and child care professionals check children for symptoms.
• Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Settings
This document provides advice to public groups, transit, schools, universities, and other institutions in BC on cleaning for non-health care settings.
• What do you do when you go…aaaaachooooo?
This infographic from the Government of Manitoba shares information about robust hygiene practice suitable for children.
• Early Childhood Educators of BC Updates
Check out COVID-19 updates from ECEBC on their home page.
Health Authorities and Other Credible COVID-19 Information Sites
International
• World Health Organization (WHO)
Federal
• Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
• Infection Prevention and Control Canada
• Indigenous Services Canada
Provincial
• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
• Office of Provincial Health Officer
• BC Centre for Disease Control
• HealthLink BC
• COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information
• Ministry of Children & Family Development Response to COVID-19
• Office of Human Rights Commissioner: Information and FAQs
Regional
• Interior Health Authority
• Northern Health Authority
• Island Health Authority
• Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
• Fraser Health Authority
Other COVID-19 Health Resources
• Call 1-888-COVID19 (268-4319) to find out more information about the virus
• Worried you might have COVID-19? Try the online Self-Assessment Tool
COVID-19 Mental Health Support Resources
A pandemic can be a very stressful event for individuals and communities. It’s normal to feel some stress and anxiety. It’s also very common for people to show resiliency, creativity, and collaboration during times of crisis. Even though we cannot be next to each other, we still need to stay close emotionally. Stay in touch with each other and reach out if you need support.
All COVID-19 resources will also be listed in the BCACCS Resource Centre COVID-19 Subject Guide, searchable by keyword.
• Coronavirus Health Guidance for Child Care & Schools (PDF)
• MCFD COVID19 Advice, March 14 2020 (PDF)
• Vancouver Coastal Health Update on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) (PDF)
• Sneezes & Diseases Resource Book
• COVID 19: Public Health Guidance for Childcare Settings (PDF)
Online Resources
• The impact of COVID-19 on mental health
The First Nations Health Authority shared this video of Senior Medical Officer Dr. Nel Wieman of the FNHA describing the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.
• Staying Connected during the Pandemic
The First Nations Health Authority has created an information sheet about how Indigenous holistic practices can help ease feelings of personal, collective, and inter-generational stress during the pandemic.
• Child Mind Institute
Online resource for children’s mental health. They are also providing telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Responding to Stressful Events: Helping children cope
The Public Health Agency of Canada has a webpage with information to help children cope with stressful events.
• Family Sparks: Mental health resources
This is the place to find timely, clinically-based mental health articles for you and your family.
• The Wishing Star Lapointe Developmental Clinic
Virtual child and family therapy through Telehealth platform. Call 778-294-8732 or email [email protected]
• BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre
The BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre provides mental health and substance use information, resources, and help with mental health system navigation to families across BC.
• BC Child & Youth Mental Health clinic contact list
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MCFD is committed to providing services to you wherever possible. They can meet you virtually, or by phone so that they can all follow the Provincial Health Officer’s direction to ensure physical distancing. Please call the nearest MCFD office to receive information about the services available to you and your family.
• COVID-19 and Mental Health: Considerations for Expectant and New Parents
This hand-out from Health Nexus discusses the usual stressors that come with pregnancy in conjunction with the current circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic. Advice and facts on how to navigate the current landscape as expecting parents are shared.
• British Columbia Psychological Association
The Psychological Support Service offers “Psychological First Aid” telephone calls, free of charge, to any BC resident (19+) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fill in the brief form provided on the website to request a psychologist to call you back.
• Canadian Mental Health Association
CMHA has put together some resources and suggestions to help support your mental health at this time of uncertainty.
• BC Mental Health
Has a website with various online resources that can help you support your mental health through the pandemic.
• Anxiety Canada
This website has online resources to help self-manage anxiety.
• Recreational Respite
During these challenging times, the team of recreation therapists and community partners have come together to create unique interactive and innovative virtual (online) services that offer experiential outcomes through 1:1, mini groups (3) and small groups (6) and large groups (10). Theses services are for children, youth and adults with disabilities. Call 1-877-855-7070 or email [email protected].
• Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute
This website offers resources and webinars to support mental health during the pandemic.
• Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support
Canadians are being challenged in various ways because of isolation, financial and employment uncertainty and disruptions to daily life. Wellness Together Canada provides tools and resources to help get Canadians back on track. These include modules for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues.
• Managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety and Depression
The Ministry of Health and Addiction has created an information sheet Managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety and Depression with multiple resources to help people during this difficult time.
• On-Demand Webinar: Mental Health and Resilience During Covid-19
This webinar will explore key factors for understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Viewers will receive concrete guidance for building resilience and staying emotionally and mentally healthy during this stressful time, including insights for supporting children.
Support Hotlines
• KUU-US Crisis Response Service
Provides 24/7 culturally-aware crisis support to Indigenous people in BC. Call 1-800-588-8717.
• BC 211 phone Information Service
Provides information on government and community-based health and social services. Text or dial 2-1-1.
• Kids Help Phone
This hotline can provide young people with the mental health support they need during this difficult time. Text CONNECT to 686868 or call 1-800-668-6868.
• Healthlink BC 811
8-1-1 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia. Healthcare professionals will help you get the information you need to manage your health concerns, or those of your family.
• Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
Provides barrier-free non-judgmental, confidential support through 24/7 phone line. Call 604-872-3311 in the Vancouver coastal region or dial 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) across BC.
• Battered Women Support Service
Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) Crisis line remains open, providing emotional support to women experiencing gender-based domestic violence and/or uncertainty during these difficult times. Call 604-687-1867, or 1-855-687-1868.
Working from Home
• Tips For Working Remotely
Working remotely from home can be a challenge for even the most experienced. BCACCS has put together some tips on how to make it work.
• 7 Essential Tips for Working From Home During the Coronavirus Pandemic
In the midst of the new coronavirus pandemic, many companies are implementing voluntary or mandatory work-from-home policies. That means lots of us are dealing with an unusual challenge: working from home for the first time, full-time.
• Eight essential tips for working from home during the coronavirus pandemic
The COVID-19 measures have led many companies to implement measures forcing their employees to work from home. For many, this is unfamiliar territory that comes with its own set of challenges.
• Tips on how to work from home for newbies
The global COVID-19 pandemic has thousands if not millions of people suddenly working remotely, trying to juggle their workload with their home life, not to mention anxiety about the future.
• Working From Home: 5 Environmental Factors Affecting Your Well-Being
Purdue University Explores 5 factors affecting online online students and remote employees when working at home and offers tips on how to adjust the workspace to improve overall well-being.
Licensing
Regulations and Guidelines
• Child Care Licensing Regulation: Community Care and Assisted Living Act
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• Local Government Requirements: A Handbook for CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
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Different Types of Child Care Providers
If you are looking at a profession in the early childhood care and education field view the different types of provider options available below:
- Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
- Licensed Family Child Care Provider
- Registered License-Not-Required (RLNR) Provider
- Responsible Adult
• Community Care Facilities Licensing , Vancouver Coastal Health
• Provincial Resources for running a child care program in BC.
• City of Vancouver resources for starting a child care centre.
• A handbook for local government requirements (PDF)
• Open a Licensed Child Care Facility
Licensed child care programs must meet provincial government requirements in the Child Care Licensing Regulation.
Funding to support child care
• Start-Up Grants for Becoming a Licensed Child Care Facility
The Start-Up Grants program is designed to increase the number of licensed child care spaces available to B.C. families by supporting individuals who want to operate a licensed child care facility in their personal residence.
• ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund
The ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund provides funding to create new licensed child care, helping families access, affordable, quality, and inclusive child care as a core service they can depend on, while strengthening communities throughout British Columbia.
Support for Families and Children
We have collected resources and information about activities and learning opportunities for children at home, how to talk to children about COVID-19 and other helpful information for families as they stay home during this unprecedented time. Please note, it is important for parents and/or guardians to review any sites they allow their children to access.
Learning Resources for Children
• Providing Activities for Children during a time of Crisis
Physical distancing and school closures have made this a challenging time for parents and kids alike! The First Nations Health Authority has some ideas of what you can do.
• 10 Nature Activities to Help Get Your Family Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
Children and Nature Network have provided a sampling of activities (borrowed from Vitamin N, Our Wild Calling, Last Child in the Woods and other sources) to help your family make the best of a tough situation.
• Stay ‘N’ Play
Mothers Matter Centre’s guide to parents for a weekly, in-home schedule that is full of easy to follow parent-child activities. Using the HIPPY parent-child curriculum format, the daily activities are designed to touch on critical domains like physical activity, playtime, learning time and family time.
• Love is Medicine with Monique Gray-Smith
Monique and her daughter have taken the time to do recordings of her children’s books, like “My Heart Fills with Happiness” and her newest “When We Are Kind”.
• Stay at Home Mom Survival Guide
Activities that teach do not have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of time to prepare. This site provides 80+ preschool activities to take a look at.
• 87 family activities to help you avoid coronavirus cabin fever
Being stuck at home isn’t ideal, Today’s Parent has shared some ideas to make dealing with self-isolation from COVID-19 just a little bit more fun for the whole family.
• Autism Little Learners
Resources and ideas for families and educators.
• Scholastic Learn at Home: Grades PreK-K
Provides day by day projects for PreK-K. Discover new activities, videos, read-alouds, and so much more!
• Khan Academy
The Kan Academy provides a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. This site has home schooling information for PreK-K.
• Storyline Online®
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Daytime Emmy®-nominated and award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online®, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Books are available 24 hours a day for children, parents, caregivers and educators worldwide. Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners.
How to Talk to Children About COVID-19
• #COVIBOOK-Supporting and reassuring children around the world
This short book can help support and reassure children, under the age of 7, regarding the COVID-19. It can be used as a way for families to discuss emotions arising from the current situation.
• Coronavirus-A Book for Children
Free PDF book on Coronavirus to meet the needs of children and their families. No one involved was paid anything for their work.
• Answering Your Young Child’s Questions About Coronavirus
Here are some age-appropriate responses to the common questions a toddler might have about coronavirus from the Zero to Three site.
• Supporting children in a time of crisis
In this time of crisis, children need accurate, open, honest and age-appropriate information about what is happening. The First Nations Health Authority has some ideas about topics to talk to them about.
• COVID-19 Infographic for Children
Health Literacy Project has provided an Infographic that explains COVID-19 and how to decrease its spread in a way that can be understood by children.
• Responding to Stressful Events: Helping Children Cope
Natural or human-caused disasters, terrorist attacks or acts of war are upsetting for children, even if they only witness them on television or see their impact on the adults they care about. Remember that it is normal for kids to feel depressed, horrified, worried, sad, nervous, and frightened in the face of such events. The Public Health Agency of Canada has some information about how parents and family can pay attention to children’s feelings and reactions.
• Talking to children about COVID-19
Children may feel worried and overwhelmed too. BC Children’s Hospital – Kelty Mental Health site can help you navigate the COVID-19 discussion with your children.
Children’s Health and COVID-19
• Caring for Children with COVID-19
Unlike adults the rates of transmission are unknown. This information sheet from the BC Centre for Disease Control and the BC Ministry of Health shares information about caring for children who have contracted the illness.
• How to care for a child with COVID-19 at home: Advice for caregivers link
The Public Health Agency of Canada has an information sheet with steps to follow if you are caring for a child who has or may have COVID-19.
• COVID-19 Pregnancy, childbirth and caring for newborns: Advice for mothers
We are still learning how this new disease affects pregnant women. Throughout pregnancy, women experience changes in their bodies that may increase the risk of other illnesses, such as viral respiratory infections. This information sheet shares information about how pregnant women, especially those at high risk of developing severe complications, can take precautions to protect against the possibility of becoming ill.
General Resources for Families
• Parent Support During COVID-19
Now more than ever, parents need the time and space to connect. Parent Support Services of BC has created Support Circles to provide a safe and confidential space for parents and grandparents and others raising a relative’s child.
• Parenting in a Pandemic Q&A Free Online Panel
The Neufeld Institute is sharing A Parenting in Pandemic Q&A Panel that can be live-streamed for free every Thursday from 7-8 Pacific time.
• Resources and Ideas to Support BC Families During Covid-19
The BC Council for Families has a site with resources for families.
• Guideline for Lactation for Women/Individuals Who Are Confirmed or Suspect Cases of COVID-19
Useful information regarding breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. This document is intended for the subsequent care of the newborn/infant at and after the time of birth.
• Good Medicine: Keeping Active at Home
With everything that is happening right now, we need to be doing what we can to help ourselves be as healthy and well as possible. One thing most of us can do in that respect is exercise.
• Self-Care in the Time of Coronavirus
Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. And during this difficult time, when children are home and stress is running high, it’s more important than ever.
Professional Development
Professional Development Sites
• Child Care Options -Child Care Provider Training & Workshops
Child Care Options provides child care information, services, and support to families and child care providers in the communities of Delta, Surrey, and White Rock. As a Child Care Resource and Referral they offer various workshops. See the training list for those which will be offered via Zoom.
• Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre Workshops
Check out the various workshops offered online by Westcoast CCRR.
• BC Early Years Professional Development Hub
• Child Care Resource & Referral Events
• BC Family Child Care Association
