What to Look for in a Licensed Dayhome in Calgary

Choosing a dayhome is a personal decision. As a parent, you want to know who will care for your child, how they will spend their day, and whether the environment is right for them.

As the CEO of Six Munchkins Montessori Day Home in NW Calgary, I believe that choosing childcare should involve more than checking availability and comparing fees. Parents deserve to understand the care, learning opportunities, daily routines, and relationships their child will experience.

If you are searching for a licensed dayhome in Calgary, here are the things I recommend checking before enrolling your child.

1. Understand the Dayhome's Licensing and Approval

Start by asking about the provider's licensing or approval status.

In Alberta, home-based childcare arrangements can operate under different licensing frameworks. Approved family day homes work with licensed agencies, while Calgary also has a municipal licensing framework for certain private home-based childcare providers. Parents should confirm which requirements apply to the program they are considering.

You can use the official resources below to understand the requirements and check available childcare listings:

• ✓Alberta: Approved Family Day Homes — learn about provincial standards and approved home requirements
• ✓City of Calgary: Home-Based Childcare Licensing — understand the municipal licensing framework

I encourage parents to ask providers directly about their approval status, safety procedures, and applicable standards. It is important to understand what type of program your child will attend. For a detailed breakdown of home-based childcare options, read our guide on dayhome vs daycare in Calgary.

2. Look at the Number of Children and Their Ages

The size of a group affects how children interact, play, and receive support throughout the day.

Ask how many children are usually present, which age groups are accepted, and how the provider manages different developmental needs.

At Six Munchkins, I value the personal nature of a home-based setting. A smaller group creates more opportunities to understand each child's interests and give them individual attention during everyday activities.

The right environment should also have routines and activities appropriate for the children attending. You can read more about how group size shapes the experience in our post on questions parents should ask when finding a dayhome in Calgary.

3. Meet the Person Who Will Care for Your Child

A childcare provider's approach matters just as much as the physical environment.

When visiting a dayhome, ask about the caregiver's experience, qualifications, communication style, and involvement in daily activities.

I believe that building a relationship with a child takes time. Understanding their personality, interests, and individual needs helps me make more thoughtful decisions about their daily experiences at Six Munchkins.

I also encourage parents to discuss how updates, concerns, and important information will be communicated between the caregiver and family. To understand the qualities that matter most in an educator, see our article on the 5 qualities of Montessori-inspired educators at a Calgary dayhome.

4. Ask About the Learning Approach

Not every dayhome follows the same educational philosophy.

At Six Munchkins, our program follows a Montessori-based approach, with an emphasis on hands-on experiences, practical life skills, exploration, and age-appropriate independence.

Children learn through more than formal lessons. Choosing activities, exploring materials, participating in simple tasks, creating artwork, and interacting with others can all contribute to their development.

When comparing a licensed dayhome in Calgary with other childcare options, ask what children actually do throughout the day and how activities support their learning. Discover more in our guide on why Montessori-inspired learning works so well at home.

5. Find Out What Meals and Snacks Are Provided

Nutrition is an important part of a child's daily routine, so ask what food is provided and how dietary requirements are managed.

At Six Munchkins, we provide healthy, organic meals and snacks, freshly prepared by our experienced chef, who brings several years of professional cooking experience to every meal we serve.

• Are meals provided, or should families pack lunch?
• How are food allergies and dietary restrictions managed?
• Can cultural or family preferences be accommodated?
• How are children supported during mealtimes?

I recommend discussing food allergies, dietary restrictions, and individual preferences with the provider before enrolment. Parents should know what their child will eat and how any special requirements will be handled.

6. Check the Daily Routine and Activities

A well-planned day should balance learning, play, meals, movement, and rest.

At Six Munchkins, children's daily experiences include a variety of activities:

I want children to have opportunities to explore and participate while benefiting from a familiar daily rhythm. When visiting another dayhome, ask the provider to walk you through a typical day rather than relying only on a list of advertised activities. Read how we build these routines in our post on creating a calm and caring learning environment.

7. Understand Safety, Hygiene, and Supervision

Parents should feel comfortable asking detailed questions about safety.

During your visit, ask how the provider manages:

• ✓Supervision of children throughout the day
• ✓Handwashing and hygiene routines
• ✓Cleaning and sanitizing of spaces and materials
• ✓Emergency procedures and first aid
• ✓Illness policies and exclusion procedures
• ✓Outdoor safety and supervision during play

I recommend discussing any specific concerns about your child's age, allergies, medical needs, or routines before deciding whether a program is suitable. You can also ask how children are supported during meals, rest periods, and transitions between activities.

8. Consider Location and Practical Arrangements

A conveniently located dayhome can make daily drop-offs and pick-ups easier for your family.

Six Munchkins Montessori Day Home is located at:

33 Panton Heights NW, Calgary, AB T3K 0W3

We welcome families from surrounding NW Calgary communities:

If you are looking for a licensed dayhome in NW Calgary, check the travel time from your home or workplace and confirm the provider's operating hours, availability, fees, and enrolment requirements. These practical details can make a significant difference to your family's routine. Visit our enrolment page to learn about availability.

9. Ask How Children's Development Is Supported

Children develop at different rates. A good childcare conversation should include how the provider observes progress and responds to individual needs.

At Six Munchkins, I value opportunities for children to practise communication, social interaction, practical skills, and independence through everyday experiences.

Ask how the provider handles challenges, encourages positive behaviour, and works with parents when a child needs additional support. Clear communication helps families understand what their child is experiencing and how they can support development at home. Learn more about how we approach this in our post on simple outdoor activities for curious little minds.

10. Visit Before You Enrol

My strongest recommendation is to visit the dayhome before making your decision.

A website can explain a program, but an in-person visit lets you see the environment, ask questions, and understand the caregiver's approach.

When families visit Six Munchkins, I want them to have a clear understanding of our routines, learning environment, and approach to childcare. I also want to learn about their child's needs so we can discuss whether our program is a suitable fit.

Prepare your questions, discuss any concerns openly, and take time to make your decision.

Why I Created Six Munchkins Montessori Day Home

I created Six Munchkins to provide a home-based childcare environment where children can explore, learn practical skills, develop relationships, and grow at their own pace.

My approach combines a caring home environment with Montessori-based learning experiences. I value meaningful activities, nutritious food, respectful communication, and opportunities for children to become more independent.

“For me, childcare is not simply about keeping children occupied. It is about creating a thoughtful daily experience that supports their development and gives parents confidence in their childcare decision.”

Munazza Ahmed, CEO, Six Munchkins Montessori Day Home

Looking for a Licensed Dayhome in Calgary?

If your family is searching for a licensed dayhome in Calgary, I encourage you to compare providers carefully and visit before enrolling.

At Six Munchkins Montessori Day Home, we welcome enquiries from families looking for home-based childcare in NW Calgary and nearby communities.

If you are considering childcare in Panatella, Panorama Hills, Sage Hill, Evanston, Sherwood, Country Hills, or nearby NW Calgary communities, you are welcome to contact us and arrange a visit.

I look forward to meeting your family.