Provincial Legislation

The Day Nurseries Act and Regulations regulates all licensed child care operators in Ontario and is designed to ensure that all children attending licensed child care programs receive a minimum standard of care through a province-wide system of licensing and enforcement. Under the Act and Regulations, a license is required for all child care and education programs with more than five non-sibling children who are under age 10. The Day Nurseries Act sets out specific rules, regulations and minimum standards for health and safety, staff training, staff/child ratios, nutrition, physical environment and program planning.

The Health Promotion and Protection Act  outlines requirements for food preparation, hygiene standards and health inspections. In addition, the Act sets out requirements for reporting and controlling communicable diseases and for the immunization of children and staff.

The Fire Marshals Act  requires annual inspection of programs and fire drill routes.

Ministry of Children and Youth Services Guidelines

The Ministry of Children and Youth Services provide guidelines in the following program areas:

•  Fee Subsidy
•  Wage Subsidy
•  Resource Centres
•  Special Needs

Ontario Camping Association Guidelines

The Ontario Camping Association (OCA) is dedicated to informing communities about the benefits of camping and the role that the OCA plays in ensuring safe, fun, exciting camping for all of Ontario's children and youth. Any camp seeking OCA accreditation must undergo a two-year provisional period, during which time it is visited by OCA representatives each year, and must meet our standards before being accepted for full membership. Once a camp achieves full membership, it receives a visit every four years, or the year following a change of site, ownership or director. Camps voluntarily adhere to over 400 separate standards dealing with all aspects of a camp's operation: health & safety, leadership, food service and maintenance, staffing, programming, and administration. Service providers offering summer camps accredited by the OCA are eligible to enter into fee subsidy agreements with our office.

High Five Quality Assurance

High Five Accreditation administered by Parks and Recreation Ontario, is the highest recognized level of quality and safety in children's sport and recreation. Organizations that have achieved Accreditation are distinguished by their focus on healthy child development in all aspects of their operation, from programming to policies and procedures. Registered High Five members that are offering recreation programs to children are eligible to enter into fee subsidy agreements with our office.