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Day home vs daycare centre: which is right for your child?
A calm, practical comparison for Edmonton & St. Albert parents — group size, cost, hours, and how to decide.
| Family day home | Daycare centre | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | The provider’s own home | A purpose-built centre |
| Group | Up to 6 children (not counting the provider’s own), mixed ages | Larger, grouped by age, several staff |
| Cost when licensed | About $15 a day ($326.25 a month full-time) | About $15 a day ($326.25 a month full-time) |
| Cost when private | Set by the provider | Centres are licensed |
| Hours | Often more flexible; closes when the provider is away | Set hours, backup staff |
| Oversight | Agency visits if licensed; none if private | Licensed and inspected by Alberta |
Both a family day home and a daycare centre can be wonderful — they’re just different environments. The right fit depends on your child’s temperament, your schedule, and what makes you feel comfortable. Here’s how they compare in Alberta.
What is a day home?
A day home (also written “dayhome”, or called a family day home or home daycare) is childcare in the provider’s own home. In Alberta a day home can care for up to six children at once, not counting the provider’s own, usually a mix of ages with one caregiver. It can be licensed (working with an agency) or private.
The quick definitions
- A family day home is care in the provider’s own home, with a small, mixed-age group of children. It feels home-like, with one consistent caregiver.
- A daycare centre is a larger, purpose-built facility where children are grouped by age with multiple staff, following a structured daily program.
Group size & environment
Day homes cap out at a handful of children, so a shy or younger child may settle more easily with one familiar adult and a quieter setting. Centres offer more playmates the same age, more space and equipment, and a busier, more social day — which many toddlers and preschoolers love.
Cost
Here’s the part that surprises people: both can cost about $15/day when they’re licensed and receiving Alberta’s Affordability Grant. A private (unlicensed) day home sets its own price instead. We explain the full picture in how much childcare costs in Alberta.
Hours & flexibility
Day homes sometimes offer more flexible or extended hours because one person sets the schedule; they also close when that person is sick or on vacation. Centres keep consistent hours year-round with backup staff, so care rarely gets interrupted — but they’re less likely to bend on timing.
Structure & oversight
Centres follow set staff-to-child ratios and a planned curriculum. Licensed day homes are supported and monitored by an agency; private day homes are not. If licensing and oversight matter to you, read licensed vs private day homes next.
How to choose
- Picture your child’s temperament: cozy-and-quiet, or busy-and-social?
- Check the hours against your real commute and work schedule.
- Ask about backup coverage for sick days and vacations.
- Visit in person, meet the caregiver, and trust your gut.
- Check posted openings near you before you tour.
On TinyCare Connect you can filter by care type — day home, daycare centre, preschool or out-of-school care — and see who has posted openings near you.
Common questions
What is a day home in Alberta?
A day home (or dayhome, family day home) is childcare in the provider’s own home for up to six children at once, not counting the provider’s own. It can be licensed through an agency or run privately.
Is a day home cheaper than a daycare centre in Alberta?
Not necessarily. When both are licensed and receiving the Affordability Grant, they cost about the same — roughly $15/day. A private (unlicensed) day home sets its own price, which may be higher or lower.
Which is better for an infant — a day home or a daycare?
Many families prefer a day home for infants because of the small group and one consistent caregiver, but licensed centres also have dedicated infant rooms. It comes down to your child and your comfort — visit both.
Are family day homes safe?
Licensed family day homes are supported and monitored by an agency at least six times a year. Private day homes are legal but not monitored, so you should do your own due diligence — check references, first aid, and visit in person.
What is the difference between a day home and a daycare?
A day home is care in the provider’s own home with a small, mixed-age group of up to six children (not counting their own). A daycare is a licensed centre with more children grouped by age and several staff. Both cost about $15 a day when licensed.
How many children can a day home have in Alberta?
Up to six children at one time, not counting the provider’s own. Licensed day homes can also have no more than three children aged 36 months or younger and no more than two aged 24 months or younger, Alberta sets no separate baby limit for private day homes, so ask the provider.
Do day homes follow a curriculum?
Licensed day homes are supported by their agency, and many follow a play-based program similar to a centre’s. Private day homes set their own routine. Ask any provider for their daily schedule when you visit.
Can I get the $15/day fee at a family day home?
Yes, if it is a licensed family day home receiving Alberta’s Affordability Grant. Private, unlicensed day homes are not eligible for that grant.
TinyCare Connect is a connector, not a childcare agency. Listings come from public records; we don't verify, endorse, or guarantee any provider. Always do your own due diligence before making childcare decisions.